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

If I already have a degree in Chemistry, how would I go about becoming a forensic chemist?

Asked by Tori about 8 years ago

Just apply for it. Check the websites of your local city, state, county police agencies and see if they have a position posted and what the requirements are. You can also check www.aafs.org and www.theiai.org for national postings. Best of luck!

I am a writer doing research, I want to preface this by saying I know what I am about to show might be impossible in the real world, but my story is working with a paranormal cause. Anyway, how would it be possible to appear self inflicted? https://ibb.co/eYiDGK

Asked by Ahmetia about 8 years ago

Possible for what to appear self-inflicted?

Do some of the remains you have to investigate make you uncomfortable?

Asked by jasmine Nunez over 7 years ago

No, I can't say that they do.

My school is offering 2 community health service courses that are credited. Will these courses be any help with forensic science or forensic anthropology?

Asked by Crazykid over 8 years ago

I'm sorry but I don't know what a community health service course is, but I would think any information about the medical field would always be helpful.

Hi, I recently developed OCD with a particular person.. I hate the fact this persons “DNA” or skin cells will be with me. This person touched my shirt and I washed it by hand..will their skin cells be gone after washing? Also my phone?

Asked by Helena over 8 years ago

Yes, soap will take care of it.

I am writing a paper for college about orthotolidine tests. Why do you think they were discontinued and have you ever used it in your professional career? Would you consider a positive orthotolidine test as conclusive evidence in court?

Asked by Penny Kap over 7 years ago

I believe it’s a presumptive test, so it would not be considered ‘conclusive’ evidence, only an indication that further test (like DNA) would be appropriate.

I have never used an orthotolidine test, unless that’s the reagent in the Hemastix test strips. We used those a great deal at the coroner’s office—they’re very handy, but can have false positives. Deciding what reagent to use will always be a function of ease of use, possibility of false positives and false negatives, expense and hazards (such as carcinogenic properties).

Best of luck!

If I keep a lock of hair in a bottle and it's stored in a humid area, will the hair still disintegrade over time? Thank you!

Asked by :) about 8 years ago

If the bottle is sealed well, I don't think so. Hair is pretty tough.