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

what would i need to study to become a forensic pathologist?

Asked by esthers33741212 almost 6 years ago

Medicine. Forensic pathologists are doctors and go to medical school. So I would suggest you take every science course you can, especially biological sciences. Best of luck to you!

Have you ever been emotional with the cases you have worked on?

Asked by Denise_ot5 over 5 years ago

Once in a great while something will catch me when I’m not expecting it. But very rarely.

Do you think physical evidence has increased in importance over the last several decades, with advancements in technology and testing procedures? Why or why not?

Asked by Ar almost 6 years ago

Physical evidence was always extremely important. What has changed with technology is what types of evidence are more commonly examined. It used to be hairs and pollen and now it's touch DNA and cell phones.

Thanks for your answer! I have 2 more q's. 1) Is it possible for me to contact you more privately e.g. email, where I can ask more questions in detail? If not, 2) in your opinion, what piece of forensic technology/method helps you the most as a CSI?

Asked by Kate Flynn over 5 years ago

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

What we use the most is a camera, and after that a tape measure (to make crime scene diagrams...99.9% these tell us nothing significant, but there could be that rare exception in terms of court testimony).

What is the most helpful to me is our fingerprint database to identify the unknown prints collected from crime scenes and evidence.

How much school is need to become a forensic scientist, as well as what classes do you need to take?

Asked by Denisse Parada over 5 years ago

The job requirements are whatever the hiring agency says they are, so it could be anything from a high school diploma to a PhD in genetics. The only way to know is to call the department or check their website for job vacancies.

Do you watch Law and Order?

Asked by Jimmy over 5 years ago

Not regularly, but I’ve caught many reruns over the years.

An author recently solved the question, 'Did Van Gogh cut off his entire ear, or just the lobe(?).' She found his physician's drawing and it shows the entire ear cut off. Can someone really do that? More likely sliced off by Gaughan's fencing sword?

Asked by PT O'Neil over 5 years ago

As far as I know it’s certainly possible to cut the entire ear off, but I would guess it would be difficult to do accidentally or in the heat of battle without causing other injuries to the face. But that’s entirely a guess on my part. I don’t know more than the basics about either Van Gogh or Gaughan or the incident. Sorry I can’t be more help!