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

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

Asked by Donna over 8 years ago

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

I want to get a degree in forensic science. Is this possible? And how would I get there?

Asked by Sarah over 8 years ago

Go to a college that offers a degree in forensic science. Each college or university should have a website where they list the degrees they provide.

What's one of the weirdest cases you've worked?

Asked by Emily almost 9 years ago

Unfortunately I can't really discuss that on a public forum. And they're all weird, in their way.

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

Asked by MarieAbend over 8 years ago

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

if you could choose, would you rather work in a lab or on a crime scene?

Asked by kenia almost 9 years ago

I like doing both, because being in the lab all the time can get tedious, but being at crime scenes all the time can get exhausting.

Is there any printed literature or old case dockets I can reference that directly says examiners can distinguish between prints left by bare hands and those wearing gloves, or is this just common knowledge?

Asked by Kayla lions over 8 years ago

The only areas of the body with friction ridges are the palms and fingers of the hand and the soles of the feet. They could not possibly be found on gloves. I don't know if there's a paper that states that...it's kind of like finding research to say that an apple is not an Orange. However if you search 'identifying glove prints ' you could probably find what you need. Best of luck.

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 almost 9 years ago

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