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

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 6 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.

What is the next step from secondary school in order to become a forensic scientist ?

Asked by Maria over 6 years ago

Go to college and major in forensic science or one of the natural sciences. Best of luck!

How much methamphetamine would it take in a body that was submerged 4 two weeks, for an ME to consider it intoxicated? drowning with environmental hypothermia, contributory cause: methamphetamine intoxication

Asked by Lina N Lete about 6 years ago

I’m sorry but I have no idea. I’ve never worked in Toxicology.

What courses did you have to take in college in order to study forensic science?

Asked by hello my name is makiya mcqueen and i am a student at booker t washington magnet high school. I am currently taking a career preparness course and I am very interested in forensic science. I would love to ask you a few questions for my Career investigatio over 6 years ago

Sure, email me at lisa-black@live.com.

Hey got another question what skill do you need to be a forensic scientist

Asked by Sara over 6 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 whereever you might be interested in working and ask them. 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.

I am currently a Forensic Science Major and have to complete an internship, would a wildlife rehab and education center be a good location for this?

Asked by Sosi over 6 years ago

I think that depends entirely on where you live or want to work. If you intend to apply for lab or crime scene work in a large city, then no. If you're going to work crime scene in a remote area with a lot of outdoor scenes and animal activity, then maybe yes. Regardless, an internship at your local forensic facility would be better. If that's not possible, at least call them and ask for their advice.

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 :) over 6 years ago

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