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

what was the craziest case you have ever worked on?

Asked by john34 about 8 years ago

I haven’t worked any really crazy ones, and sorry but any semi crazy ones would take too long to explain.

Did you ever puke or feel funny on a certain case?

Asked by MarieAbend about 8 years ago

I got a little queasy at my very first autopsy, but since then, no.

What type of equipment do you operate? How did you learn to operate the equipment?

Asked by Violet almost 9 years ago

Over the years I've operated a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer, an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, alternate light sources, a photography setup, and various software programs. Venders or other employees train me to use them.

So I am going to get my associates degree (and a forensic certification), is that enough to get a job working for a forensic police department?

Asked by Geo about 8 years ago

I have no idea. You'll have to ask the agency to which you are applying. They may all have different requirements.

Do you usually have a lot of free time or none at all?

Asked by Emily over 8 years ago

Not much free time, no. There's always work to do.

I played a video game recently that had two murderers - separate murders - freeze their respective victims' bodies to throw off the time of death. Does that actually work? If so, how long does it take to unfreeze?

Asked by R-Mod about 8 years ago

Changing the ambient temperature either up or down and then changing it back will affect a pathologist's estimate of time of death because they usually take that into consideration. I couldn't guess how long it would take it to unfreeze, but at room temperature I would think several hours at a minimum.

What are the questions you would ask when you find a fiber?

Asked by Cory about 8 years ago

Well, if it's found on the victim, you might ask if it came from the suspect's clothing/upholstery/etc., and vice versa. Or it could similarly link either party to the crime scene, depending upon the circumstances of the case.