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

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Asked by sd over 4 years ago

If you're trying to ask something, you need to be more specific.

202 Votes

You have been asked to rush DNA testing for a homicide case. What information would you request before deciding if you think the testing should take priority over other cases? What ethical framework would you use to help make your decision?

Asked by Albus over 4 years ago

At my agency we send all DNA testing to the state lab. We can give them the scenario of our crime and ask them to rush testing, but how they decide to handle their casework is entirely up to them.

201 Votes

So you wanna be a Forensic Scientist?

Check our Jobstr's career page for salary information, educational requirements, suggested reading and more!

Have you ever seen something so graphic you had to go throw up?

Asked by Kamryn over 4 years ago

Nope. I’m lucky to have a pretty cast iron stomach.

201 Votes

Can someone create false positive molestation forensic testing by wiping a week old rag with dried semen onto their child

Asked by Queen B about 3 years ago

I suppose anything’s possible, but it depends on how well a dried stain is going to transfer to anything. usually a dense, dried liquid simply flakes off a surface. Someone could try wetting the rag but I honestly don’t know how well that would work or if at all. Also, whoever is collecting any evidence off that child would have to swab that exact spot. So I can’t say it’s impossible but I would guess it’s unlikely to work. Hope that helps!

201 Votes

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Do people when you give them your email when they are asking homework or school work questions ever really email you?

Asked by Conner over 4 years ago

Sometimes. Perhaps 10% of the time.

201 Votes

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 over 4 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.

201 Votes

Can a Bachelors Degree in Health Science get you a job as a forensic science technician?

Asked by Harmony Smith about 3 years ago

If the agency you apply to accepts it, then yes. Our agency just asks for at least an associate's degree but doesn't specify the subject, so you would qualify. What an agency is looking for beyond any degree is up to them. They might want only those with forensic training, or they might prefer someone who's had laboratory training even if not specifically in forensics over someone who had forensic training but no hands-on lab work. The only way to know is to call them and ask. Best of luck to you!

200 Votes

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