Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientist

LIsa Black

Cape Coral, FL

Female, 49

I spent the five happiest years of my life in a morgue. As a forensic scientist in the Cleveland coroner’s office I analyzed gunshot residue on hands and clothing, hairs, fibers, paint, glass, DNA, blood and many other forms of trace evidence, as well as crime scenes. Now I'm a certified latent print examiner and CSI for a police department in Florida. I also write a series of forensic suspense novels, turning the day job into fiction. My books have been translated into six languages.

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Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Best Rated

Cadaveric spasm has also been called 'instantaneous rigor'. Will muscles/muscle groups frozen from cadaveric spasm 'unfreeze' before the muscles that froze from rigor mortis?

Asked by Tom Phillips about 9 years ago

I'm sorry I can't help but that's a pathology question. I do not know.

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Asked by Shane over 8 years ago

I think it's unlikely that there wouldn't be any injuries, but I'm afraid I couldn't tell you. You would need a pathologist for that.

If I decide to pursue forensic science at uni, will I manage if I did not have chemistry in high school (I'm doing the IB)? Of course I do have some knowledge but only basics. will I learn at uni or is it expected of me to have previous knowledge?

Asked by Justyna over 8 years ago

I really don’t know, since my degree is in biology, not forensic science. You should ask one of faculty advisors in the forensic science program at the university (or better yet several universities). You could probably just call the departments on the phone and ask.

So I am going to get my associates degree (and a forensic certification), is that enough to get a job working for a forensic police department?

Asked by Geo almost 9 years ago

I have no idea. You'll have to ask the agency to which you are applying. They may all have different requirements.

Would it be better to have a bachelors degree in biology? Or a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice focused on forensics?

Asked by Sabrina almost 9 years ago

That depends on what job you're applying for--does it entail more lab work or more scene work? The only way to know for sure is call the places you might want to work and ask, or at least check out job postings online.

Is there a way to tell the person's weight from their skeleton? I know you can tell age, race, old injuries and so much more. Would you be able to tell that the bones belonged to a 400lb man?

Asked by Desiré over 9 years ago

That's an excellent question but you need an anthropologist to answer it. I'm afraid I don't know. Sorry!

As a Forensic Scientist, are you legally exempt from being a Juror?

Asked by Ahmed Jordan Ezz Jr. about 9 years ago

This may vary by county or state, but I am not because I'm a civilian employee and not a sworn officer.