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

In a hanging subject dead can a swelling happen from a bang to head during the cutting down of the body. person dead for 45 mins or more

Asked by Joyce about 7 years ago

As far as I know that shouldn't happen because functions stop when the person dies, but that's really a question for a pathologist. I also don't know if swelling, depending upon where it is, might happen as a result of the hanging. Sorry I can't be more help.

Should I get a bachelor's degree in forensic science or in a natural science?

Asked by Rose over 7 years ago

That depends on what you want to do. Call labs that you're interested in working for or peruse job opportunities postings at the major forensic organizations websites and see what they require.

1 What is the education requirement for this position? 2 What knowledge do you need to have? 3 What skills do you need to learn and how long did it take you to learn them? 4 What is a normal day like in this job?

Asked by Mattea over 7 years ago

For homework assignments please email me at: lisa-black@live.com.

Would taking Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Criminology for A levels be a good start for this job or should I opt for a different option?

Asked by Katrina over 7 years ago

I think those sound like fabulous courses for this field.

I am writing a paranormal suspense thriller novel and I need to know if you could figure out a person's identity in 2010 if all you had were the eyeballs and they were preserved since the 1970s.

Asked by Yvonne Schuchart almost 7 years ago

My guess would be no. I would think the formaldehyde would destroy the DNA in the cells, though I don’t know for sure, and in any event they weren’t doing DNA in the 70’s so you’d have to find something of the person’s to compare the eyeball DNA. If you have something of the person’s retained from the 70’s, especially hair for example, perhaps there is mitochondrial DNA in some cell in the eyeballs that could still be obtained and compared to the mDNA from the hair.Otherwise I doubt ophthalmologists would take or save retinal scans back in the 70’s. Hope that helps. Best of luck!

Well, according to the movie, as fingerprints leave an oily residue, they found traces of R-12 mixed with it. They also said that the uric acid levels in the eccrine gland residue were inconsistent with a guy with active metabolism. Too far fetched?

Asked by R-Mod almost 7 years ago

Yes. Unless they have a crime lab more incredibly equipped than any I've ever visited.

Hello, I have some questions that I would feel better if I asked through a personal email if that is alright with you. May I ask for your email you?

Asked by YTK111 almost 7 years ago

Sure, email me at: lisa-black@live.com