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

Can you test for how long dna evidence is present. Like if I cut myself on accident three days ago could you time stamp that without me telling you how long ago the accident happened.

Asked by PF almost 9 years ago

No. There is no time stamp on DNA, so far as I know.

761 Votes

Hi Lisa thx a lot. A last similar question reg brain because my father was diagnosed with both heart and brain problems. Is extraction of brain and it's examination necessary If patient had brain probs? If so is it done at forensic lab or autopsy?

Asked by Raja about 8 years ago

If someone is under a doctor's care and the doctor signs the death certificate, then there most likely will not be any examination at all. Autopsies are not done in every case, only under some circumstances. Any examination would be done at autopsy.

759 Votes

So you wanna be a Forensic Scientist?

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What type of decisions do you make

Asked by Angel over 8 years ago

How to best process or obtain a piece of evidence.

758 Votes

I am looking at becoming a DNA analyst working with hair, blood and gunshot residue samples, would it be better to get a degree in Forensic Science or a degree in Biology?

Asked by ssosiak1 about 8 years ago

If you're going to be a DNA analyst, you will probably not be working with gunshot residue as well. DNA labs are tending to want their analysts to have a PhD in genetics and focus solely in that area, but it would be best if you called labs at which you might want to work and make sure. Best of luck.

757 Votes

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How long would it take for a deceased body to drop below 32 degrees centigrade if they were in good health previously and the ambient temp was 17 degrees centigrade. Would the body be cold and blue to touch inside 2 hours?

Asked by Iain over 8 years ago

I'm sorry but I have no idea. That's a question for a pathologist. Sorry I couldn't help!

757 Votes

Will a dry blood stain on rocks, say the interior of a cave, appear red after at least a year or would the stain be darker or change because of the conditions within the cave?

Asked by MK over 9 years ago

It will turn a dark red brown once it's completely dry, and will stay that color so far as I know if conditions stay consistent. If it changes further it would probably just fade a bit.

756 Votes

Would there be DNA left if someone used a forge and turned a murder weapon (say a knife) into something else, or maybe just folded the steel multiple times?

Asked by RDSBandit almost 9 years ago

I'm fairly sure that the high temperatures used in melting metal would destroy any DNA.

756 Votes

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