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

Have you ever did something bad, mean, or inappropriate to a dead body? What is your standard of morals and ethics?

Asked by Dolby about 6 years ago

Quite the contrary, I find myself apologizing to them if I bump into their gurney. They’re dead. How could I not feel sorry for them?Both my department and the various forensic organizations of which I am a member have published codes of ethics to which I have always adhered.

My was found deceased. I found him on his back. He had lividity on his inner forearms, palms was clear, lividity on his forehead, across his back side across his shoulders and on both sides of his rib cage down to his hips. Chest was clear. Position?

Asked by Jennifer almost 6 years ago

Lividity can be patchy depending on areas of pressure. So you can have reddened areas where the blood flowed in and stayed next to clear areas where the body was pressed against a surface and the blood couldn't pool. You would need to talk to a pathologist for more thorough information. I'm sorry for your loss.

Do you have any suggestions for a research topic in forensic science for a class project?

Asked by HG271 over 5 years ago

Wow, that’s a tough question—I can think of projects and experiments, but research....and what ages? I can ask my coworkers for suggestions.

Is it ever weird cutting into and doing pretty nasty things to a dead person?

Asked by Jason about 6 years ago

I do not work at a coroner’s/medical examiner so I don’t cut anyone. At a crime scene I might examine the eyes or test the limbs for rigor or look for injuries but that’ s about it.

My final question is why do conservatives not get to protest the lock down orders but ANTIFA, BLM, and other leftist groups can and they let them tear up things and sit in the middle of the road?

Asked by WE THE PEOPPE about 6 years ago

I am an expert in some areas of forensic science. I am not an expert in law, public safety policy or our political system.

As a senior in college who is interested in pursuing forensic science, would you be willing to give me either some tips or advice about this career path?

Asked by Christina over 5 years ago

Best of luck to you! Other than taking all the science and laboratory courses possible, I would suggest checking out the websites of national forensic organizations to check job postings and what different agencies require. You might also decide if you’d consider moving and where. Try to get a tour of any forensic facility you can, this is a good way to meet people and to see what different jobs entail.

I hope that helps!

A person bites a victim. How difficult would it be for police to track them down based on their DNA?

Asked by Miguelito over 5 years ago

Not at all difficult IF the person’s DNA profile is already in CODIS.