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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I want to become a Forensic Biologist, similar to a Forensic Scientist. However, I'm unsure about what to major in Biology or Forensic Science? To become a Forensic Biologist, Do i major in Biology or Forensic Science?

Asked by Ash almost 7 years ago

I would guess that you should major in biology and minor in forensic science. I don't believe that a general forensic science program would be specific enough for a biologist job. But you should check want ads to see what they require.

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 almost 7 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.

What's the shortest time for an autopsy you've done on a body? What's the longest? How long does an average autopsy take to finally decide you've found everything you could from it?

Asked by R-Mod almost 7 years ago

I have never done an autopsy, as I’m not a doctor. I’ve attended many, many autopsies, and they generally take about two hours, but can go up to four or five if there are a lot of injuries. At that point they will be done with the body, but the autopsy report can take much longer depending on if they have to send out samples for toxicology analysis (most places do) or have to wait on some other kind of specialty report. In one case I remember we had to wait a long time for a pediatric x-ray analysis. That can be weeks to months depending on who you’re waiting on and how big their backlog is.

If someone takes their own life by hanging will they have rope fibers on their hands (cotten rope), will the furrow be completely around their neck and if the person is right handed will the knot be on the right side? Thank you

Asked by Kim over 6 years ago

They would most likely have rope fibers on their hands whether they hung themselves or were strangled. No, the furrow will usually get less deep and maybe disappear, depending on how tight the rope is, toward the spot where the knot is since it is usually higher up on the body as gravity pulls the body downward. As far as I know the location of the knot will depend on where it’s tied, if it’s slid around before suspension occurs, and the structure of the knot (if it slips or not). Being right or left handed shouldn’t make a difference therefore.

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

Asked by Tori over 6 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!

Is it feasible for forensic scientist to work only on the chemistry side of forensics? I enjoy chemistry, but dislike biology, and dislike the idea of working on bodily fluids. Would a forensic CHEMIST still analysis biological fluid?

Asked by Samarkand over 6 years ago

Many forensic chemistry departments only analyze possible drugs, so I would think it would be possible to find.

I wanted to know what was the best degree to get for a forensic biologist? I"m getting mixed answers. Do I pursue and undergrad in forensic science and then master in biology or would a 4-year biology degree work?

Asked by Jackie over 6 years ago

Sorry it took me so long, I was out of town at a conference. But I really don’t know for sure—it’s up to the hiring lab, what they want. I would think a 4 year in Biology with as many Forensic classes as you can get would be best, but a better way to guess would be to call all the labs you’re considering and ask them.Best of luck!