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 is the next step from secondary school in order to become a forensic scientist ?

Asked by Maria almost 7 years ago

Go to college and major in forensic science or one of the natural sciences. Best of luck!

I am taking a Forensics class in High school and I am looking to ask some questions of a Fiber Analyst. Do you happen to be a Fiber Analyst or do you know know anyone who I can contact?

Asked by Bailey over 6 years ago

I used to be the hair and fiber analyst. Unfortunately it's increasing rare to find fiber analysis done at labs. Perhaps I can help you.

How long does a body have to be exposed in warm temps before it starts to deteriorate?

Asked by LookingForJustice almost 7 years ago

Bodies begin to deteriorate immediately, but the process might progress more slowly or less slowly depending on temperature, humidity, exposure or any medical conditions of the victim.

Is it dangerous to be a forensic scientist ?
Thanks

Asked by Tatiana about 7 years ago

No.

I wanna know few details about image created date, modified and accessed date.if created and accessed date time same can i confirm that i viewed or saved or deleted the image by modify date.because i allowed automatically download media option in viber and when i check propertis of image without i seen or accessed how it comes with different modify date and same created accessed date.and same thing in viber/.thumbnail file because i never seen those images.

Asked by Bryan almost 7 years ago

I'm so sorry but I don't know. I'm not trained in digital forensics.

What exactly is Forensic Science? What are the components of it? What did you major in university to work as a Forensic Scientist?

Asked by Jasmine almost 7 years ago

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.

I am writing a paper for college about orthotolidine tests. Why do you think they were discontinued and have you ever used it in your professional career? Would you consider a positive orthotolidine test as conclusive evidence in court?

Asked by Penny Kap over 6 years ago

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!