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

Also this girl touched my phone and phone case, and its been 6 months. I remember cleaning my phone with water and my case with soap. I still feel like after 6 months, this persons dna is on my phone.. I have been using my phone for 6 month

Asked by Helena about 8 years ago

Bleach will also destroy DNA but of course that may damage items. Soap and water will do.

With respect to drug profiling, could you please explain why it is necessary to have a full understanding of the chemistry of drug synthesis?

Asked by Laura almost 8 years ago

I'm sorry but I've never worked in toxicology.

I think my fiancé is cheating on me- but he continues to say "I'm crazy"... I found used tampons in my bathroom trash and blood stains on our sheets. How can I test the linen sheets we have for blood type to positively prove he is cheating on me?

Asked by charlee almost 8 years ago

You can cut off a sample of the tampon or sheet (if you don't want to cut a hole in your sheet, just take a clean cotton swab, dampen with water, and rub on the stain until some of the stain transfers...do that before you wash the sheet or it probably won't work well). Let it air-dry, if necessary, and package in a clean envelope. Then rub a clean cotton swab on the inside of your own mouth for your own standard and seal in a separate clean envelope. Don't put anything in plastic. You should be able to get those tested at a lab, such as LabCorp, though it might take some explaining since they usually do parent-child comparisons. This will cost you anywhere from $250 to $600, according to their website. Of course all that will do is tell you if the blood is yours. It won't tell you whose it is. PS if it's a tiny amount on the sheets it could also be from him--shaving nick, shin scrape, that sort of thing. We bleed a lot more than we realize.

Hi, I have a career research project and was wondering if you had time for a one on one interview?

Asked by Kiara about 8 years ago

Sorry for the late response--sure, email me at lisa-black@live.com.

1. What is the work environment like?
2. What does the day to day consist of at work?
3. What qualities do you think that someone needs to become a forensic scientist?
4. How often as a forensic scientist have you had to show up at court?
5. How many years of schooling did you go through to become a forensic scientist?
6. What do you find the most challenging aspect of the job?
7. What skills do you find to be the most important to have when entering the job of a forensic scientist?
8. What made you want to become a forensic scientist?
9. About how many hours do you work a day?
10. What do you enjoy most about the job?
11. How did your career begin?

Asked by Student about 8 years ago

For school projects please email me at: lisa-black@live.com

Have you been involved in a case that went cold and it affected you personally and professionally?

Asked by aadelle77 over 7 years ago

No.

Like tyler I have some questions to ask. Is there anyway you can email me at jacquan.craig@gmail.com and I email you a few questions to answer? Thanks it is for my class.

Asked by Hello My name is Jay, over 8 years ago

Sure, I'll email you.