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 gotten emotionally attached to a case?

Asked by Jordan Hall over 10 years ago

No. There are cases and victims that I feel sorrier for than others, but nothing reaching the level that I would call emotionally involved. Everything is over by the time I get there, and then I don't usually see the victims or other parties again so there isn't an opportunity to bond.

My brother-in law, 24y.o. healthy male is with friends chat/laughing and laughs extra long, stops, head hangs down. Within minutes he passes away. At the time, drinking an energy drink and ate a peanut bar before. Post mortem, just scorched stomach??

Asked by Curious over 11 years ago

I'm sorry, I wouldn't have any idea. You'd have to ask a pathologist.

how can you identify from a random dna sample that the sample belongs to a human being, not an animal? lets say that you find a DNA sample and now you have to identify that this dna sample is of a human or an animal or cannot be classified at all

Asked by Rabi over 11 years ago

I actually don't know how a DNA analyst tells human from animal DNA, but I don't think it's very difficult. We have an easy field test called Hexagon OBTI that can tell animal from human blood in a matter of minutes.

If somone ejaculated in a girls or guys mouth they swallow can u find dna

Asked by jim over 10 years ago

Possibly, depending on the time elapsed.

Where do you see forensic science in the next ten years?

Asked by Mariana over 11 years ago

DNA and fingerprints will still be the main forms of identification, but the focus on video, computers, social media and phone evidence will continue to expand. Anything that's not absolutely yes or no such as gunshot residue, fibers, maybe bitemarks will be discontinued.

Is it possible to get someone else's DNA on underwear from a toilet seat... As in touching bowl when sitting?

Asked by Momma almost 11 years ago

If there was semen on the toilet seat and it was still wet and sticky enough to stick to skin and then be transferred to underwear, then I suppose it would be possible.

Can you tell from skeletal cremains if a person was assaulted?

Asked by Avialane over 10 years ago

If bones survive the cremation process and show signs of physical trauma (such as fractures), then yes.