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.
Where ever it’s convenient, I suppose.
Share Answer: 
It is scientific information applied to matters pertaining to the law. And what you major in depends on what area you're going in to--pathology, toxicology, entemology, etc.
Share Answer: 
I believe it’s a presumptive test, so it would not be considered ‘conclusive’ evidence, only an indication that further test (like DNA) would be appropriate.
I have never used an orthotolidine test, unless that’s the reagent in the Hemastix test strips. We used those a great deal at the coroner’s office—they’re very handy, but can have false positives. Deciding what reagent to use will always be a function of ease of use, possibility of false positives and false negatives, expense and hazards (such as carcinogenic properties).
Best of luck!
Share Answer: 
I’m sure it depends on what you want to do (lab work or field work) and what’s required. You would be better off talking to your local forensic lab to see what kind of things they do. Most likely the daily work of a forensic lab does not really involve exquisite chemistry. For my part, I was an ace in general chemistry but I never really ‘got’ organic chemistry. Best of luck!
Share Answer: 
Hotel Travel Blog Active 2019
What do you do if a guest is doing something illegal in a room?
Antiques Dealer
How easy is it to forge a rare piece, and are fakes a big problem in the antiquing world?
Parcel Delivery Mailman
Are you a lot stronger and more fit because of your job?
We work 40 hours a week but one of us will be on call during the rest of the time, when no one is at work, 24/7/365.
Share Answer: 
I don't see why not!
Best of luck.
Share Answer: 
Answer to both is: maybe. If she was buried in the earth over 20 years, unless the ground was always frozen or so dry that she mummified, there will most likely be only skeletal remains left. So they might be able to establish identity from dental records, medical device implants (say a pacemaker or an artificial hip), or something left in the grave with her (like an ID card). I believe anthropologists can tell from the pelvic bone if someone has given birth, but not if pregnant at the time of death. However depending on how far along the baby is, they might have their own bones present so then it would be obvious. Best of luck!
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
