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

What do you think
A) Jeffery Epstein killed himself
B) Jeffery Epstein was murdered
C) Jeffery Epstein was snuck out and alive
D) Something else

Asked by I don’t know over 6 years ago

I have no idea.

An author recently solved the question, 'Did Van Gogh cut off his entire ear, or just the lobe(?).' She found his physician's drawing and it shows the entire ear cut off. Can someone really do that? More likely sliced off by Gaughan's fencing sword?

Asked by PT O'Neil over 7 years ago

As far as I know it’s certainly possible to cut the entire ear off, but I would guess it would be difficult to do accidentally or in the heat of battle without causing other injuries to the face. But that’s entirely a guess on my part. I don’t know more than the basics about either Van Gogh or Gaughan or the incident. Sorry I can’t be more help!

If someone takes their own life by hanging is it common for it to be a double knot?

Asked by Kim almost 8 years ago

There’s a wide variety of knots as people tend to use whatever they think will work.

I hope that helps.

Do you watch Law and Order?

Asked by Jimmy about 7 years ago

Not regularly, but I’ve caught many reruns over the years.

how accurate is measuring the age of human bones , particularly after 30 years of age how less accurate percentage wise per decade after 30 years of age?

Asked by andy about 7 years ago

I'm sorry but I also can't answer that question. You'd have to ask an anthropologist.

I'm a forensic chem major and I'm really struggling in my chem courses. When I took forensics in high school, I was incredible in lab. What advice do you have for me? Do you believe I'll be unsuccessful in this field because I'm not good in chemistry

Asked by AmandaM almost 8 years ago

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!

My son died in a car accident. They took him to hospital, then morgue. 3 days later they did blood tests and said he was over the legal limit for alcohol. Is it possible that the numbers are wrong because of the time lapse. Thanks.

Asked by Meho1979 over 7 years ago

I'm so sorry for your loss. They most likely drew the blood right away, and tested it three days later. As far as I know that would not affect the results--bodily fluids are usually not tested immediately since the M.E. or coroner's office sends the samples to a different location for testing. Blood for alcohol testing is collected in special gray topped tubes for that particular purpose, designed to keep the results accurate. Again, I'm sorry for your loss.