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

whats the most challenging thing about your job?

Asked by kenia over 8 years ago

Worrying that I might have missed a piece of evidence at a crime scene or in a lab process.

What kind of degree do I need to work in forensic science? What are the pros of being a forensic scientist? What are the cons of being a forensic scientist? How is the job market in forensic science?
This is for an interview assignment.

Asked by Candace over 8 years ago

Please email me all questions at once at Lisa-black@hotmail.com.

Can a forensic examiner analyzing evidence distinguish between a latent fingerprint from a bare hand and those produced by someone wearing gloves?

Asked by kayla lions over 8 years ago

Sure, because fingerprints will have ridges and gloves will not.

Can you work as a CSI and as a forensic scientist at the same time? What I mean is that can you collect the evidence and analyze it as well?

Asked by Alyne almost 9 years ago

Yes, that's what we do at our agency, depending on the analysis required. We can process for latent prints and analyze them and also cell phones and computers. For things like DNA analysis and bullet comparison, we send that to the state lab. Every agency is different depending upon available personnel and equipment.

How often did you encounter gloveprints? Can they be wiped? What are the necessary circumstances for them to exist? I'm asking not to become a murderer, but to help make a roleplaying case for people I know.

Asked by R-Mod over 8 years ago

Not often. Since a glove itself isn't secreting sweat and oils, there's really nothing for it to make a print with until it gets a little dirty or if the surface it's touching is a little dirty.They can be wiped off as easily as any other print.

I am doing a project over my career and I want to ask some questions and I was wondering if you could answer them thank you!

Asked by trace clamon about 9 years ago

I was going to email your teacher but you didn't give me her complete address, just her name. Please go to my website and hit 'contact me' and let me know where to send a response. Thanks and good luck with your project.

What kind of off the job training is required?

Asked by Kaylee Marr over 9 years ago

I'm not sure what you mean by 'off the job training.'