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 a decades-old used latex condom buried with a body still have dna evidence in it that can be tested?

Asked by J.J. White almost 6 years ago

If it were allowed to dry and kept dry, then it's possible, though the odds would be incredibly slim since the decomposition fluids from the body would most like overwhelm it. It's worth a try.

Are there many jobs available in this career? What skills do you need to be someone good in this field?

Asked by Lamece about 6 years ago

Yes and no. Labs and units have expanded a lot in the past 10-20 years especially due to federal grants, but they're not as big as you see on TV. A small police department may do only fingerprints and send everything else to the state lab. A big city facility might take up an entire block or two and do everything from drug testing to paint and glass. As for skills, take as much science classes as you can and try to find programs with hands-on field work. Best of luck!

What things we must have to write when making a report of some case?

Asked by Hifz Ur Rehman over 6 years ago

The basics: our name, address of crime, date, time we arrived, and who else was there (cops, detectives, ME, etc.). Then what we did there, processed for prints, how many photos we took, chemicals used, if we collected evidence. We might also measure the area and make a sketch.

I'm working on a blog, and one of the topics is DNA. I need to explain how it is extracted in a way an educated teen would understand. Could you please tell me how exactly it is done (including the processes in each stage)?
Thank you for your time!

Asked by Ananya over 6 years ago

I’m sorry, but I can’t. I haven’t done DNA analysis in over 20 years. Sorry I couldn’t help!

Hi my name is Olivia a I was wondering if I can have your email because I have a research paper on forenscience and I have to interview someone if you get a chance can u email me livia.alexander@aol.com

Asked by Olivia A about 6 years ago

Sure, it’s Lisa-black@live.com

Can we make a profile of a suspect (skin color, eye color, etc.) from DNA? If not, why not?

Asked by Mrs.McGurkin almost 7 years ago

I actually don't know. I haven't done DNA analysis in 20 years so I don't know all the details of what analysis can show. Sorry I can't be more help!

Is investigative forensics the same as forensic science?

Asked by Chris74 over 6 years ago

Sorry, I answered this right away but somehow it didn't 'take'.

I'm not familiar with the term, but I would guess so.