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.
The average autopsy takes 1 to 4 hours.
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From live people we usually take a buccal swab from the inside of the mouth. From a deceased person, we can use any part from which we can extract DNA, such as blood, bone, teeth, etc.
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Again that depends entirely upon the circumstances. If someone is shot from a distance, then the clothes aren't going to tell you anything. If someone gets close enough to leave their own blood or their hair on the clothing, then they might.
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The title 'forensic scientist' doesn't mean anything in particular--job titles will vary by the agency. It would be better to major in a natural science or in forensic science so you could get as much lab experience as possible, but the only way to know for sure what the job requirements are is to call the place(s) you want to work and ask.
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Professional Gamer
Is the stereotype of gamers as overweight dudes living in parents' basements accurate?
Meter Maid
What's the meanest thing anyone's ever said to you?
EMT
What was the most gruesome trauma you witnessed while on the job?
Yes, absolutely. Most people will have a mix of patterns on their fingers.
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Sure, you can email me at lisa-black@live.com, but I'm traveling and won't be able to get back to you for another week at least.
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You have to have good attention to detail, can work under stress and unpredictable circumstances, be patient and cautious.
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