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.
No, I have a BS in Biology, though one of my co-workers has a Master's in Forensic Science. PhDs are often hired for DNA work but yes, probably not for the average forensic position just because they would probably want a higher salary.
And yes, I knew a number of forensic chemists at the coroner's office because they would analyze the blood, urine and gastric on all deceased. They had BS's in chemistry. I don't know if they have forensic chemistry majors now, but they didn't then. At other labs chemists do all the drug testing on suspected substances.
Hope that helps!
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Sorry--I answered this one earlier, I don't know why it didn't post. Anyway, I don't think it has changed anything about how we do things (assuming everyone was doing them properly in the first place). All it has done is increase the amount of paperwork that comes along with doing them. Which is a tedious thing, but not a bad thing.
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Please don't let your child surf the net unattended.
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They may ask if you've ever stolen from an employer, if you've taken illegal drugs, and if you've ever betrayed someone's trust. Answers have to be 'yes' or 'no' but they may let you explain. Just tell the truth and don't worry about it, it's perfectly normal to be nervous. And if they say some answers came up 'deceptive' you can dispute the point. During my polygraph, the blood pressure cuff was so tight it felt like it was cutting off my arm, so towards the middle I was in so much pain I think that affected the results. Then it began to go numb and the pain eased so there was a difference in the reading. So if you disagree with the results, go ahead and say so.
They'll let you know if they're going to contact family or friends.
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Architectural Project Manager
Were there any structural deficiencies in the Twin Towers that made them fall?
Stand-Up Comedian
Did your career blow up after you performed on the Tonight Show / Conan?
Zookeeper and Animal Trainer
Are a lot of people in your line of work vegetarian/vegan?
I'm sorry, I don't know what betc science is.
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I don't see why not. I have a friend who has dyslxyia and he became a schoolteacher.
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That depends a great deal on temperature and humidity. Assuming it's a good print in the first place, plenty of sweat and oils on the skin and a nice non-porous surface like glass or marble--then if the temperature is a bit on the coolish side with a little bit of humidity but not too much and above all steady, then the print can last for years.
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