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

how do you become a forensic science technician

Asked by Philisa Claridy almost 8 years ago

A 'forensic science technician' can refer to anything from someone who works in the Property Department to someone who does DNA analysis to someone who investigates death scenes. A good way to get a handle on the situation is to look at online job postings from places where you might want to work--the local police department, the county morgue, the state crime lab. They will post the duties and requirements for each position. You can also check the same information on the websites of professional organizations such as the American Academy of Forensic Sciences or the International Association for Identification. That should give you a good start.

When women have been raped and they do a rape test kit, how can forensic scientists determine if the woman was raped or if it was consensual sex?

Asked by Steffaney Espinosa over 7 years ago

The rape kit will only show biological evidence of another person besides the victim. Bruising, injuries and testimony will be used to determine whether it was consensual or not.

Hi so I'm doing a school project on a career I want to do and I was wondering if there was any chance I was able to ask you questions about Forensic science and pathology?

Asked by Bri almost 8 years ago

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

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 8 years ago

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

What degrees did you take? And what do you think is important in pursuing a job as a forensic science technician?

Asked by Donnie over 8 years ago

 Titles and job requirements aren't uniform, so the only way to know is to call the crime labs in your area or wherever you might be interested in working and ask them. At the coroner's office we had to have at least a bachelor's in a natural science (this was before they had forensic science majors). At the police department where I am now, they only require a high school diploma but you get more points in the interviewing process for having a four year degree, so we all have one. You can also go on the websites for professional organizations such as the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and check out their job vacancy postings and see what the various positions require. Good luck.

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 about 8 years ago

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

What types of skills for you need for this job?

Asked by kenzie over 7 years ago

A background in science, patience, and attention to detail.