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.
Take all the science courses you can and visit labs that do the kind of services you’re interested in.
Share Answer: 
For homework assignments please email me at: lisa-black@live.com.
Share Answer: 
That is difficult. An internship is the best thing but they may be scarce. First check with your guidance counselor or forensic teachers at school to see if they can help you. Then call the crime labs in your area to see if they offer any sort of intership or long-term shadowing/volunteer work. You might also check the state and local agencies--ours had community volunteers and Public Service Aides who do some crime scene work. Best of luck!
Share Answer: 
I couldn’t. I don’t know if a pathologist or biologist could.
Share Answer: 
Zookeeper and Animal Trainer
Which cuddly-seeming animals are actually dangerous to be around?
School Teacher
Do you think teachers are underpaid? Why?
Antiques Dealer
How easy is it to forge a rare piece, and are fakes a big problem in the antiquing world?
I'm sorry but that's beyond my technical expertise. You need a toxicologist for that one.
Best of luck!
Share Answer: 
Titles and job requirements aren't uniform, so the only way to know is to call the crime labs in your area or wherever you might be interested in working and ask them. At the coroner's office we had to have at least a bachelor's in a natural science (this was before they had forensic science majors). At the police department where I am now, they only require a high school diploma but you get more points in the interviewing process for having a four year degree, so we all have one. You can also go on the websites for professional organizations such as the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and check out their job vacancy postings and see what the various positions require. Good luck.
Share Answer: 
Sorry for the delay, I’ve been on vacation. I guess it depends where the activity took place. If it all took place in bed and they washed the sheets, then there may not be any to find. An alternate light source can look for possible spots of semen, but the problem is many things can fluoresce, such as vaginal secretions, sweat, saliva, cleaners, certain fibers, etc.
Share Answer: 
-OR-
Login with Facebook (max 20 characters - letters, numbers, and underscores only. Note that your username is private, and you have the option to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)
(A valid e-mail address is required. Your e-mail will not be shared with anyone.)
(min 5 characters)
By checking this box, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to Jobstr.com’s Terms and Privacy Policy.
-OR-
Register with Facebook(Don't worry: you'll be able to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)
Browse Jobs
Host a Q&A
Search
Submit Your Question
Host a Q&A
Last 7
