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

How important are strong written and verbal communication skills in your field? ( I’m asking as an English assignment )

Asked by Madison about 6 years ago

Well, they need to be complete and accurate, but otherwise the actual English used can be pretty basic. Happily we’re not graded on our composition skills!

Have you ever found any bodies with missing organs? Do you know the effects on a body when organs are removed in a crude way?

Asked by Aly almost 6 years ago

No and no, I’m afraid. That’s more a question for a pathologist.

What does your wok schedule
look like?

Asked by Denisse Parada over 5 years ago

We work 40 hours a week but one of us will be on call during the rest of the time, when no one is at work, 24/7/365.

What college did you go to? What was your major? I’m having lot of trouble finding a “forensic science” major so what should I major in??

Asked by Hannah about 6 years ago

I have a degree in biology because they didn't have forensic science degrees at that time. I would think any natural science is a good basis for the field. A friend of mine who teaches at Miami-Dade recommends Miami-Dade, of course; also the University of New Haven, and Keiser University has some good programs.

Where do you burry a body?

Asked by The man over 5 years ago

Where ever it’s convenient, I suppose.

If someone takes their own life by hanging is it common for it to be a double knot?

Asked by Kim about 6 years ago

There’s a wide variety of knots as people tend to use whatever they think will work.

I hope that helps.

Lisa, I'm a published author working on a novel. Woman was murdered and buried 20+ years ago. Can authorities 1) determine her identity and 2) Can they tell whether she was pregnant when she died? Thank you in advance!

Asked by Jack about 6 years ago

Answer to both is: maybe. If she was buried in the earth over 20 years, unless the ground was always frozen or so dry that she mummified, there will most likely be only skeletal remains left. So they might be able to establish identity from dental records, medical device implants (say a pacemaker or an artificial hip), or something left in the grave with her (like an ID card). I believe anthropologists can tell from the pelvic bone if someone has given birth, but not if pregnant at the time of death. However depending on how far along the baby is, they might have their own bones present so then it would be obvious. Best of luck!