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 dried blood sample found 10-20 years after a crime be used to find a killer?

Asked by Micah almost 6 years ago

Yes, absolutely. As long as the sample is dried thoroughly before it can decompose and kept someplace dry and not overly humid or hot, it would be fine.

Have you ever had to go to court for a case?

Asked by Jay about 6 years ago

Yes, about 60 times over 25 years. But not nearly as often as you'd think.

Why are some people with jobs like yours some people are sworn officers usually working as detectives/investigators and other times not?

Asked by 345 about 6 years ago

It’s whatever the particular agency’s Standard Operating Procedures require. Each police agency can make their own requirements.

Do prostitutes have to register as sex offenders? If not do you think they should?

Asked by Hdjdjdj over 6 years ago

I have no idea.

I really want to pursue a career in forensics, however I am discouraged in the requirements of mathematics. Where do those studies become practical and a part of the daily grind?

Asked by Jess over 6 years ago

I don't know of any particular mathematics requirements. You'd need enough basic math skills to balance chemical equations, calculate reagents in formulas, and record accurate measurements. Ballistics or accident investigation might need more advanced skills, but I would not know about that. Good luck!

What changes in DNA identification technology have you seen over the past ten years? What have been the biggest/most significant changes?

Asked by Diana about 6 years ago

Probably 'touch' DNA, getting a DNA profile from someone's skin cells where they touched something. It's always a bit of a crapshoot because without a visible stain, you can't be sure there's any DNA there at all. But it's worth a try and sometimes we get results.



Do you think Jeffrey epstein Killed himself?

Asked by Karma over 6 years ago

I don’t know any more about it than you do.