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

Asked by Harmony Smith over 4 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!

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!

I knew the Coroner, the people who ran a forensics company, and other people who worked for them. How where they able to eat in the little room next to the morgue? With windows to see and the smell? They would eat lunch in there.

Asked by Ray almost 6 years ago

Did it every day. If it bothers you, you probably don't want to work there. Though our lunchroom was on an upper floor so there was no sight, just sometimes smells.

Oh you kinda look like her though

Asked by Tim almost 6 years ago

Thanks!

Hi Lisa, I am studying forensics for a project and I came across a couple images that have me stumped. I think they may be phony, but not sure. They are from a gore site (they are non nude). Can you help me determine some things about these pics?

Asked by HG about 6 years ago

What is it you’re going to want to know about them, because I may or may not be able to help.

Do you wear a white suit? If so why or why not? What is really the point?

Asked by Benny almost 6 years ago

Do you mean a Tyvek suit? To prevent cross contamination? We have whole body suits but have not yet had a scene that required them. We will wear disposable booties and of course gloves for any homicide scene. Sometimes the point, as with fentanyl and COVID risks, is to protect ourselves, and sometime the point is protect the scene and keep from dragging trace evidence from outside the scene to inside the scene.

Have you ever asked someone a question on here? If so do you mind saying what it was?

Asked by QUESTION TO ALL about 6 years ago

Nope, not so far!