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 your first thought when you started your career in forensic science ?

Asked by Krystal about 8 years ago

I’m not sure what you mean—when I decided to go into forensic science (in which case it would be “that sounds really cool, like I could solve mysteries without being a cop”) or more like my very first day on the job (which would be “I hope I don’t screw up “).

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

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 8 years ago

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

I have an ultraviolet flashlight; orange goggles, & phosphate detector kit. Is this all a crime specialist would use to detect semen? The stains I’m finding are not turning purple, yet I’m sure it’s semen. Is there different method/product I can use?

Asked by PH13 almost 8 years ago

It may depend on how fresh the stain is and how fresh your reagents are. Plus just becuase something fluoresces does not mean it’s semen (see answer above).

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.