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

Ex branded my arm with writing . Heated something small and wrote name all over. Barley burns skin. Trying to make it stand out to take picture or somehow lift like finger print. I tried with finger dust powder from hobby store.???? any suggestions?

Asked by Larry almost 8 years ago

If you could possibly create different colored filters for your camera with transparent, colored films? That might enhance the writing. That's all I can think of, sorry!

Hi there! I was wondering if I can interview you for my school project ? if so please contact me @litzy475@gmail.com

Asked by Litzy garza over 7 years ago

Yes, I'll email you when I'm back at work tomorrow.

If I decide to pursue forensic science at uni, will I manage if I did not have chemistry in high school (I'm doing the IB)? Of course I do have some knowledge but only basics. will I learn at uni or is it expected of me to have previous knowledge?

Asked by Justyna over 7 years ago

I really don’t know, since my degree is in biology, not forensic science. You should ask one of faculty advisors in the forensic science program at the university (or better yet several universities). You could probably just call the departments on the phone and ask.

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Asked by Shane over 7 years ago

I think it's unlikely that there wouldn't be any injuries, but I'm afraid I couldn't tell you. You would need a pathologist for that.

what on going knowledge does your job keep up with.

Asked by amelia over 7 years ago

Our office gets journals from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the International Association for Identification, as well as smaller publications like newsletters for the Florida Division of the IAI and the one for the association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts.

What's the most stressful part of being a Forensic scientist?

Asked by Sam about 8 years ago

Being 'on call' and knowing you can be interrupted at any moment of the day and have to go to a crime scene, even if it's the middle of the night or a holiday. Having to get up once or twice during the night after working 10-12 hours and knowing you have to work those hours for another day or two is pretty disheartening. I've also had to change vacations because I have to testify in a trial. I hate that. 

What is the first thing a forensic team does when they reach the crime scene in this case homicide?

Asked by marge white over 7 years ago

Get everybody out of it, and then take pictures.