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

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 over 5 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.

Hello! I am currently taking classes such as Organic Chemistry and Physics, but not doing so well in them. I am worried that this may impact any grad programs in FS in that they will just not accept me altogether. Is there any advise you can give me?

Asked by Struggling Student over 4 years ago

I honestly have no idea, I never did a grad program. Are there any advisors at your target schools that you can ask? But I sympathize—I had the same problem with Organic Chemistry. I got A’s in General Chemistry, but I just never ‘got’ Organic. Best of luck to you!

I wanted to know whether it is possible to do the courses a certain country and get a job in a foreign country ?

Asked by H•A over 5 years ago

I’m sorry but I don’t understand what you’re asking.

How often do homeless people intentionally try to get arrested? I heard they do this because the shelters won’t take them if they are on drugs among other things so they commit crimes in front of cops to have a place to sleep

Asked by How often do homeless people intentionally try to get arrested? I heard they do this because the shelters won’t take them if they are on drugs among other things so they commit crimes in front of cops to have a place to sleep about 5 years ago

I wouldn't be involved with cases like this so I don't know. In my experience with homeless camps the people are usually not too cooperative and don't want to leave, so I haven't seen this happen.

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

Asked by Miguelito about 5 years ago

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

Does gas chromatagraph/chromatagram data always show peaks relative to the solvents used with samples to perform gc/ms analysis?

Asked by Answer Seaker almost 6 years ago

That is a great question that I can’t answer! So sorry, but I never worked with a GC or Mass Spec. That was the toxicology department.

Why don’t they let civilians interview suspects?

Asked by Jessica over 5 years ago

Because that's not our job. That's the detective's job. They're in charge of and responsible for the investigation.