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

Why don’t they let civilians interview suspects?

Asked by Jessica about 6 years ago

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

If the song Before He Cheats happened in real life how would you investigate the vandalized car???

Asked by Sherri Karry Katie Perry about 5 years ago

I would fingerprint around all the damaged areas and the handles, and possibly collect a sample of paint in case the suspect’s keys were found (provided the state lab would do FTIR analysis on a non-violent case). And of course we’d check for any video cameras in the area that might cover the parking lot. And measure the width of the holes in the tires in case the suspect’s knife was located.

Can a fallen fake finger nail show bite mark?

Asked by Aj over 5 years ago

I don't see why not, it's rigid and would hold a shape. It's a very small item and somewhat brittle, though. I would think it would be tough to bite all the way through one. You'd probably be better off swabbing it for DNA of the biter.

I had crash some OLA 2.5 pills with olanzapine 10 mg tablets together and had kept it. Just few weeks back some police officers came to my house n found it. They tested it with forensic and it came back as heroin.
Please can you explain why

Asked by Malvin almost 6 years ago

I’m sorry but I can’t. That’s a question for a toxicologist. I don’t know anything about drug chemistry.

Hi, I’m writing a novel in which a tape-and-murder victim’s remains are found after ten or twenty years outdoors in rural New England. Could investigators find the perp’s dna at that point?

Asked by Laurel over 5 years ago

On the victim’s body? Most likely not because after that much time the victim would most likely be skeletal remains only, if buried and certainly if on the surface. If the body was in some kind of container, sealed, it might be completely decomposed, mummified or preserved, depending on circumstances. If the killer’s blood or semen got on some object that was with the body, it could conceivably survive if protected, but it would be very unlikely to yield a usable DNA profile.

Hope that helps!!

Would be able to give me a few tips on a resume since I'm going into the same field as you?

Asked by Steve over 5 years ago

Sure, you can send it to: Lisa-black@live.com

Would a B.A. in physiology be an acceptable degree for pursuing a career in forensics?

Asked by Abigail about 5 years ago

Any agency can use whatever requirements they want, so some (like mine) require only a high school diploma (but give extra points for advanced degrees, so we all have degrees). Some might require a Bachelor’s in any subject but give more points for forensic training—or not. The only way to know is check their job postings. Best of luck!