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.

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

989 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Best Rated

How do I become a forensic Scientist and what skills should I obtain?

Asked by Laura L. over 6 years ago

Any science major is a good thing. The requirements for each agency or lab vary, so if you have a particular location in which you wish to work, you might call all your potential employers and ask what the job requirements are. Then you can decide whether a science degree, a forensic science degree, a masters or a PhD would be best. Also check salaries and decide whether they are sufficient, and be prepared for a lot of competition.

Hello
Please give me details like background, investigation, evidence etc. Of O.J Simpson murder case?

Asked by Hifz Ur Rehman almost 6 years ago

Sorry, I wouldn't know anything more about it than anyone else. Try Google. Or watch the excellent miniseries, "American Crime Story: The Run For His Life." It was great.

Good morning, My name is scott hunter and i a trying to research, career exploration. I was wondering if it would be possible to meet with you or call you to learn about your profession?i would be greatful for about 20 minutes of your time. Thank you

Asked by scott almost 7 years ago

Sure, no problem. Please email me at lisa-black@live.com.

is it possible to be stabbed in your subclavian vein leading to death [while standing up] and not get blood on your shoes

Asked by Kerry Ferris over 6 years ago

Wow, sorry, I have no idea where the subclavian vein even is. I’m afraid you need a pathologist.

Sorry I couldn’t be more help!



How stressful can working as a forensics scientist be?

Asked by Denisse Parada over 6 years ago

That all depends on where you work, what the caseload is, and what your job duties are. If you work someplace with a huge backlog and more work than you have personnel for, it could be stressful. When I was at the coroner’s office it was exhausting, we had a ton of work, not much staff, were underpaid, and my boss was a little crazy, but i loved it so much I didn’t care. At the police department now we have just enough people to manage the work, so even though it gets busy at times we stay on a pretty even keel. Good supervisory management is key (in any field). Best of luck!

What do you like about your career

Asked by Ana over 6 years ago

For school projects, please email me all the questions at once at: lisa-black@live.com

What is the education needed? The skills needed? The experience needed?

Asked by JaidenKBCL about 6 years ago

That depends entirely on where you want to work and what you want to do. If you want to do DNA analysis and testify in court about it, you may need a PhD in genetics. If you want to work at crime scenes bagging and tagging evidence, you may need only a high school diploma, with added hireability for advanced degrees. The only way to know is to check job opening notices or call the agencies and ask. Best of luck to you.