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 do you think is the worst case you have ever done. What’s the most gruesome, frustrating, or however you define it.

Asked by Mark almost 6 years ago

Probably the most raw was a small plane crash.

I want to work as a forensic scientist and was wondering if doing a criminology and forensic science course is just a good as doing a forensic science course. I would like to know if an employer would favor one over the other?

Asked by av over 5 years ago

That depends entirely on where you want to work and what you want to do. If you want to do DNA analysis and testify in court about it, you may need a PhD in genetics. If you want to work at crime scenes bagging and tagging evidence, you may need only a high school diploma, with added hireability for advanced degrees. The only way to know is to check job opening notices or call the agencies and ask. I would also suggest that you look for schools that have hands-on lab work with forensic topics such as fingerprints or crime scene work. Best of luck to you.

Are your books related off of real cases you have done and of corse maybe a little more realistic then many other books that are out there?

Asked by AJ almost 6 years ago

I try to make them realistic, but they’re not based on real cases. Except for Trail of Blood, which is partly about the unsolved Torso Murders in Cleveland in the 1930s.

What do you think is the worst thing you ever seen?

Asked by Bradly over 5 years ago

Probably a small plane crash. And one terrible case of elder neglect.

Have you ever had a encounter with a first amendment auditor?

Asked by Question to you and a few others over 5 years ago

Not that I know of.

Hi Lisa. If you had to test residue on an object, and might suspect if to be sodium hypochlorite/bleach residue, what kind of field test could confirm it. Would it be a simple chlorine strip test?

Asked by Arin over 5 years ago

I’m sorry but I have absolutely no idea. I have never worked in toxicology. Though my coworker did have to research testing for bleach in one of our cases, I will ask her when I get back to work next week.

Also, what did you think of those cops that went into that politicians office and napped, ate his food, and just made themselves at home during the riot?

Asked by Tina almost 6 years ago

I am an expert in some areas of forensic science. I am not an expert in law, public safety policy or our political system.