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

Hi my name Is Gemali Monzon and I go to Chehalis Middle School and we are doing a project on the career we want. I want to be a forensic science technician and would like to interview you. You can get back at me at monzongasparg23@chehalisschool.org

Asked by Gemali Monzon about 8 years ago

Sure, I'll email you.

I just tried to email you and it came back undeliverable. You can email me at lisa-black@live.com.

I'm writing a short story and would like to know what a body would decompose like after being left unburied in a forest in January, heavy snowfall, and discovered in February? Thank you so much!

Asked by rose over 7 years ago

I'm not an expert in that particular aspect, but I know from experience that it will make a big difference if the area was continuously frozen as opposed to freezing, then thawing, then freezing again and so on. If it was continuously frozen there might not be too much decomposition at all. If it freezes and thaws continuously then it could be quite decomposed, especially if its not covered with anything like dirt or even leaves. Plus under those circumcstances I would expect a lot more animal activity.

I read that it's possible to determine sex from cranium or skeletal features and when trying it out on pictures of well known celebrities I find females with male skeletons and males with female skeletons, can you please explain this anomaly?

Asked by pietas about 8 years ago

I'm sorry but I wouldn't have any idea. You'd have to ask an anthropologist.

What are the best colleges in Minnesota for forensics? I want a 4 year, if possible.

Asked by Sarah over 7 years ago

I'm afraid I wouldn't have any idea. Call your local crime labs and ask their personnel for suggestions.

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

Asked by Cory over 7 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.

Ex branded my arm with writing . Heated something small and wrote name all over. Barley burns skin. Trying to make it stand out to take picture or somehow lift like finger print. I tried with finger dust powder from hobby store.???? any suggestions?

Asked by Larry almost 8 years ago

If you could possibly create different colored filters for your camera with transparent, colored films? That might enhance the writing. That's all I can think of, sorry!

Can a dna test determine whether my husband is an uncle or a half brother

Asked by Donna almost 8 years ago

I'm sorry but I don't know. A DNA testing company can probably help you. Best of luck!