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 about 6 years ago

Probably the most raw was a small plane crash.

If shot from close range. Would a civil war era rifle bullet to the eye go all the way through someones head? I'm doing research for a film I'm helping with.

Asked by Shannon almost 6 years ago

With all bullets a great deal depends on how much gunpowder is used--the charges can be underpowered or highly powered. But I asked my boss, a history major, and he says absolutely that one at close range entering the eye could go all the way through the head. Hope that helps!

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.

Sorry, I meant rape-and-murder, not tape-and-murder. Censored by autocorrect.

Asked by Laurel over 5 years ago

I was wondering!!

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 almost 6 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.

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

Asked by Bradly almost 6 years ago

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

What did you think of that man who was killed? Was it just a cop on a power trip? Did the cop do anything wrong in the first place? Was it racism? What do you think?

Asked by Lisa over 6 years ago

I don’t know anything more than you do.