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

Which drug do you think was the most fatal in this report?
Samples are ng/ml
Morphine 220
Tramadol 780
Fentanyl 19

Asked by Cheryl almost 8 years ago

As I’m not a toxicologist, I’m afraid I’d have no idea. Sorry!

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

Asked by Maria almost 8 years ago

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

Can you be multiple different types of a forensic scientist?

Asked by Molly over 8 years ago

Most people are cross-trained in more than one area. In smaller agencies people might have to wear a lot of hats.

How can you prove a controlled substance that was collected from highway isn’t contaminated

Asked by Julie over 7 years ago

It depends on what you're talking about--was what contaminated with what? Lots of things can be contaminated with things without results being affected. Take blood, you can mix blood with paint or dirt or maybe oil or types of soap and that won't affect the DNA profile. If you mix it with bleach or other blood, it will. So if you had, say, heroin, and it gets mixed with fingerprint powder or cotton fibers, it's still going to test as heroin. If you mix it with cocaine, maybe it won't. (Controlled substances are not my field.) So 'contamination' is not a one-size fits-all word.

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 over 7 years ago

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

I am taking a Forensics class in High school and I am looking to ask some questions of a Fiber Analyst. Do you happen to be a Fiber Analyst or do you know know anyone who I can contact?

Asked by Bailey almost 8 years ago

I used to be the hair and fiber analyst. Unfortunately it's increasing rare to find fiber analysis done at labs. Perhaps I can help you.

How many people do you think have committed a crime and came here for help desposing the body and everything else?

Asked by Randlel over 7 years ago

My guess would be 0.Mostly it’s just kids wanting me to answer their homework questions.