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.

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

989 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Best Rated

Hi,
What is the difference between forensic observation & forensic inference?

Asked by Caitlyn over 5 years ago

I'm not familiar with those terms. Sorry I can't help!

Thanks for your quick response.

Besides black powder, do I need to use a special type of brush and/or lighting such as a UV light to uncover gloveprints?

I should add that the color of the Nitrile gloves I am trying to obtain prints from are blue.

Asked by Richard Gray over 5 years ago

No, just a regular brush, and UV light, as far as anyone here knows, wouldn’t make any difference. The gloves will, however, leave more traces the longer they are worn.

Do you work with cops on the regular?

Asked by Ronna almost 6 years ago

I work in a police department, so yes, work with them every day.Though my immediate coworkers and immediate supervisor are all civilians.

When you started work in forensics did your job train you or were you having to rely on what you learned in college?

Asked by jsk789 over 5 years ago

They didn’t have forensics degrees when I went to school, so learned all the forensic tasks were on the job or continuing education courses. But the science background helps with understanding lab procedures, preparing reagents, and of course explaining what’s going on during the various processes.

Why do many films try to make it out like the good guys always when when that is not always true? Many people get away, many cases go unsolved, many people are never found, etc. I know God has his vengeance but you know what I am saying

Asked by Joker almost 6 years ago

Because films are entertainment, and stories are more satisfying when they have a definite end.

CN you really find anyone like in NCIS?

Asked by May almost 6 years ago

Nope!

Last question. I'm sorry, these were for my class.
If you were just choosing a career field, would you still choose to be a forensic scientist? Why or why not?

Asked by Jessie over 4 years ago

Yes, absolutely. I can’t think of anything I’d enjoy as much.