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.

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

989 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Best Rated

About 6 mos ago i lived w people who want to steal my dna to get a rape conviction and sue me for 2.6 million. Can forensic stuff tell that my nail was shed 6 mos ago,not now?

Asked by Samuel waller over 7 years ago

No.

A criminal stabbed to death two victims and then inflicted wounds upon themselves The killer's shirt was covered in blood. Is it possible to determine that one victims blood was on top of another persons blood? Can they tell who was stabbed 1st or 2

Asked by Chunky Monkey over 7 years ago

As far as I know, no. The DNA tests of the shirt will just show a mixture of the victims, so that the analyst would only be able to say the blood could have come from these two or three people--in other words there are no alleles that definitely couldn't have come from those three. But because it is a mixture, they can't say it did come from these three exact people. And they couldn't tell, again as far as I know, which blood was deposited first.

how do you advance what made you want to become this
what kind of personality is recommended
how many years of school
how hard is it to find a job

Asked by a student about 8 years ago

I'm not trying to be snobby, but first of all it would be very important that you can communicate in English, with proper punctuation.

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 7 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!

On a lot of TV shows, it's often said that water washed away dna evidence (ejaculate). Is it not possible for some to be left deep inside vagina? (Assuming there is ejaculate). Isn't it like taking a bath; water can't really get into vagina?

Asked by Leandra over 7 years ago

Sorry, but I really don't know. You'd have to ask a pathologist. I imagine it might depend on how long after death the person was in the water.

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 7 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.

Hello. I am a senior in high school that must do an interview for a career. I was wondering if I could interview you. My email is brimattia661@gmail.com . Thank you.

Asked by Brianne over 7 years ago

I'll email you.