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

How to chemically distinguish between an original hand-written signature and a printed copy (the one that is scanned and then printed)

Asked by rixy over 8 years ago

I'm sure document examiners could do this fairly easily but I don't know exactly how. I would guess that alternative light source (like infrared or ultraviolet spectrums) could show that there is no difference between the signature and the rest of the document. Or I believe thin-layer chromatography could show that the chemical makeup is the same. A Questioned Document Examiner could tell you much more.

What is your opinion on te csi effect and what concerns do you have about it?

Asked by Kerena almost 9 years ago

It's concerning because juries expect more than is reasonable. Not every case is going to have DNA evidence and you don't always find fingerprints on a surface and eyewitness testimony sounds convincing but can be very unreliable. However an expert can hopefully explain all these issues to make the limitations clear, provided the jury listens.

Has forensic science actually made some investigations harder to solve?

Asked by Mariam about 8 years ago

No.

Juries' unrealistic expectations of forensic science may make court cases harder to win, but that's not the same thing.

Good Afternoon, I'm writing a research paper about Forensic Scientist and I was wondering if I could ask a few questions? My email is n.leandrojr777@yahoo.com. Thank You

Asked by NL about 9 years ago

Sure, I'll email you. You might also want to look over earlier questions on this site.

Is there a license required to become a forensic scientist? If so, what type?

Asked by Violet over 8 years ago

No. Depending on where you work and what you do, your employer might want you to be 'certified' in one area or the other.

What are the normal working hours? Do you work overtime? How is overtime set up?

Asked by Violet over 8 years ago

I'm sorry, I thought I answered this one. We work 40 hours per week, some of us are on four 10s and some on rotating 12 hour shifts. Each of us takes a turn on being 'on call' for overtime calls.

What i meant by summary were the things that forensic scientists do when the first see a crime scene till the end of the investigation..... thanks!!

Asked by John about 9 years ago

I'm sorry but that can, and has, fill several textbooks. There's just no way for me to summarize it in a paragraph.