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

I am writing a paper on the neuroses and role of sadistic behavior of female-targeting serial murderers. With your professional stance, I feel that your contribution would be helpful. Do you have information on this topic?

Asked by HG over 6 years ago

Sorry, but no. I’ve never been involved in the psychology of the suspects.Best of luck!

What does death smell like and why? Do different people smell different?

Asked by asdf over 5 years ago

It all depends on the circumstances of the death (fire victims can have a smoke smell, of course) but mostly the degree of decomposition. That's the only thing that makes a difference, otherwise everyone is the same.

I was trying to remember this question one of my friends had asked me to fill in the blank so could you help me?

Once the DNA is extracted, it is cut into __ by certain ___ that act as Chemical__

Asked by Saihara about 6 years ago

Sorry, I think that's something I used to know years ago but have since forgotten. I know the DNA can be cut, maybe by enzymes? into the sections of short tandem repeats. But I haven't done DNA analysis in 20 years, so my skills are not up to date. Sorry I couldn't help!

Do you think Roger Stone is guilty or innocent or unsure?

Asked by JW over 5 years ago

Who’s Roger Stone?

Will you go out with me?

Asked by Generic White Male over 6 years ago

No.

Hello! How easy is it to collect finger prints, scan them and identify a match (I imagine its very hard) but out of say 100 cases how many could actually be solved using fingerprint analysis?

Asked by Eliza about 6 years ago

Generally about a 6 to 10% identified rate is good. Many prints that are collected at scenes by officers are ‘not of value for comparison ‘ (smudges or only have a few ridges) and many that are good belong to the victim or their friends, family, employees etc.

Does being a forensic scientist allow time to have a family of your own?

Asked by Sophie over 5 years ago

Yes, of course! You often have to be a little flexible in your schedule, but it's no more a problem than in any other job.