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

Do you think if someone had all the training and experience plus is post certified do you think they would have a better or the same chance at getting a job a civilian can get? As well about advancements? I guess it could be like anything else the more the better. Right?

Asked by Terry over 5 years ago

I'm not sure what you mean by post certified?

Hi Lisa the forensic scientist. In this scenario it might be a little graphic.

So let’s say there is a girl/woman (or a guy I suppose) was being raped and sodomized. She was being forced to preform oral sex and she bites his penis totally off.

Would this be self defense? I would hope it would be classified self defense. Right? But I know sometimes the system is messed up and puts someone who was defending his/her/their self(s) are thrown under the bus.

Asked by Claire almost 5 years ago

That would be a legal question, unaffected by forensics.

Is there anyone special you worked with?

Asked by Jason over 4 years ago

Could you clarify that question? I'm not sure what mean.

What is the outlook for employment? What is the level of education required? What do you like most about your career? What do you like least? What special skills are required? Are there any special physical demands?

Asked by Jessie over 4 years ago

Job requirements depend on the job. Requirements might range from a HS diploma to a PhD. Check the websites of forensic professional organizations (IAI, AAFS, pathology or other disciplines) for job vacancies. I like the variability of the days.I dislike the hours, which can be unpredictable, and require being ‘on call.’

Hello Lisa, what is the dumbest case you ever worked?

Asked by Steven over 4 years ago

Nothing's really 'dumb' since every case involves, a minimum, property loss or inconvenience. Criminals can be dumb...the best example I can think of was when a bunch of boys broke the glass in a door to get into a jewelry store, couldn't find much to take, then were hightailing it out of there as the alarm rang and one was trying to climb back out the broken window and not having much luck when his buddy barreled through the other door simply by pushing the push bar on it. The video was hilarious.

Hi Lisa! Besides taking science based classes, I also want to shadow some criminalists that I connected with on LinkedIn. Have you ever shadowed/had someone shadow you? What was it like?

Asked by Theresa over 4 years ago

Sure, I visited crime labs and the coroner’s office before I got my first forensics job—usually it was just a tour and answering questions though I got to sit in with a police class at the coroner’s and view an autopsy and hear some lectures. Then I would do the same when we had visiting students. Interns are here for a longer period. We usually have them do minor paperwork and tasks and they can observe our work with evidence, fingerprints, scenes, etc so we can explain what we’re doing and why. It’s a great experience. I think you’ll find people in forensics very friendly and helpful. Best of luck to you!

Since, you are in the forensics field. Do you know anything about forensic toxicologists? If so can you elaborate on what you know about this field?

Asked by GunKillerOdin over 4 years ago

Unfortunately, no, I cannot. I've never worked in toxicology. Sorry I couldn't help.