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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989 Questions

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Do you worry about the corona virus?

Asked by Jamie about 6 years ago

So far it hasn’t come up in my work, and we have lots of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

620 Votes

What is your least favorite part of your job?

Asked by Hily over 7 years ago

Being on call and having to leave dinner or get up in the middle of the night to go to a crime scene. And having to schedule vacations and events around whether I can get someone else to cover my call for me.

619 Votes

So you wanna be a Forensic Scientist?

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

Asked by esthers33741212 about 7 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!

619 Votes

If you were looking to find the amounts of lead in paints, would it be better to analyze liquid paint or paint chips?

Asked by NJ210 almost 7 years ago

I used to analyze dried paint with an FTIR, which I believe would detect lead, but as to what would be better I really don’t know. Sorry I can’t be more help.

619 Votes