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 almost 6 years ago

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

418 Votes

What are some types of questions you wished people would stop asking

Asked by question to all almost 6 years ago

Thanks for asking! I wish kids would stop cutting and pasting their homework questions for me to answer for them.

418 Votes

So you wanna be a Forensic Scientist?

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

What would you suspect the average IQ of a criminal is? What are some of the dumbest and smartest you have dealt with?

Asked by Carlene almost 6 years ago

I don’t even know what my IQ is. It’s hard to judge stupidity, since most crimes seem really stupid if you look at the benefits versus the risks. And if the criminals were brilliant, ideally, they could keep anyone from knowing a crime was even committed. Most murders are not premeditated—an argument gets out of control, so suddenly the killer has to figure out what to do, this is a situation they didn’t expect, and they’re highly agitated, so they don’t do a great job of covering up. And then more intentional crimes, burglary, vehicle theft, drug dealing—well, if they were smart, they’d get into more lucrative lines of work.

416 Votes

be honest has there ever been someone you did not like and where happy to see their lifeless body?

Asked by sdf almost 6 years ago

I've never known anyone who became one of our victims, so no.

415 Votes

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after a brutal beating , and internal bleeding how long does it take for bruising and and signs of damage in the outside to occur ?? like how many hours could it take if a person is laying there with no help

Asked by kayla over 5 years ago

That's a good question, that I really can't answer. A pathologist would be much more knowledgeable on that topic. But from personal experience I can say that bruises are funny, and they change over time. It depends how deep the damage is and on the person's chemistry and I think it makes a big difference whether the muscles are tensed or not when hit. Sorry I can't help!

415 Votes

Oh you kinda look like her though

Asked by Tim almost 6 years ago

Thanks!

414 Votes

I'm looking at going to school to be a forensic scientist; what are the best things to look for in a school?

Asked by Kaelyn almost 6 years ago

Take as many science courses as you can. Much depends 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.

414 Votes

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