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

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Hello im currently a senior high school student and i always wanted to be a forensic scientist. How do you become one? As in what course should i take ? And is medical technology a good option?

Asked by Star over 8 years ago

It all depends on where you want to work and what they require. At the coroner's office we all had at least a bachelor's degree in a natural science like biology, because there were not any forensic degrees then. If you want to be a DNA analyst you will probably need to major in genetics or biochemistry. At the police department where I work, with our very small lab, we are only required to have a high school diploma--but you get extra points in the interview process for advanced degrees so we all have at least a bachelor's.I don’t know how helpful medical technology would be because that is specifically geared toward a different profession.

What is the difference between a forensic psychologist and a criminal psychologist?

Asked by soph02 about 8 years ago

I apologize but I have absolutely no idea. I suspect there may not be a difference.

A crime scene, body fond in freezer, the couple murder worker that cleans the apartment, the body fond in freezer, they discover that the body was killed else where frozen, moved to another state and put in freezer, how they figure it out?

Asked by Sherlock about 8 years ago

So the victim was killed and put in a freezer, then moved to another state and put in another freezer? I have no idea how that would be figured out, unless they leave some compelling clue frozen with the victim.

During your High school year what subjects did you take in order to get to where you are today? Also what courses would you suggest to take for someone looking to become a forensic scientist?

Asked by katelin almost 8 years ago

Take as many science and then math courses as you can.

Best of luck!

I’m positive that there was a lot of sexual activity in a bedroom. Therefore, there must be evidence of semen somewhere, right? Even if the person tried to be “as clean” as possible there must be drops leftover. How do u scour room to find evidence?

Asked by PH13 about 8 years ago

Sorry for the delay, I’ve been on vacation. I guess it depends where the activity took place. If it all took place in bed and they washed the sheets, then there may not be any to find. An alternate light source can look for possible spots of semen, but the problem is many things can fluoresce, such as vaginal secretions, sweat, saliva, cleaners, certain fibers, etc.

How long does an iPhone have to be submerged in lake water before it can’t be used to find locations or contacts?

Asked by J.H. Paree over 7 years ago

I have absolutely no idea. I asked my coworker (who does digital forensics) this one time because I wanted to get rid of some old phones, but she didn't know either. I smashed them with a hammer and then soaked them in my pool for about ten minutes, but of course I have no way to know if that completely worked.

With respect to drug profiling, could you please explain why it is necessary to have a full understanding of the chemistry of drug synthesis?

Asked by Laura almost 8 years ago

I'm sorry but I've never worked in toxicology.