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

What are the main pros and cons of forensic investigation today?

Asked by Mariam almost 9 years ago

Pros: Advanced technology and political attention (i.e., funding)Cons: Reality--evidence isn't always there, the job can be dirty and hard, budgets are always limited

whats the most challenging thing about your job?

Asked by kenia about 9 years ago

Worrying that I might have missed a piece of evidence at a crime scene or in a lab process.

If you were a high school student, how would you prepare for this career?

Asked by Violet over 9 years ago

Take a lot of science classes, and keep up your English skills.

My father was declared dead of vagal inhibition and cardiac arrest.. I have read that vagsl inhibition often caused by throttling and strangulation. How important it is to expertly examine the hyoid bone so rule out foul play

Asked by Raja over 9 years ago

I'm sorry to hear about your father. The hyoid would normally be observed during the course of an autopsy, but I have had pathologists tell me that people can be strangled without breaking the hyoid, and the hyoid can be broken due to other reasons,so it doesn't conclusively prove anything one way or the other.

I asked a question a few minutes ago, but what I really meant was if you can take the case and analyze the evidence as well?

Asked by Alyne about 9 years ago

Yes, we do it every day.

Can seman be removed with dry cleaning

Asked by aratliff8 almost 9 years ago

I don't know that as a fact, but I would think so. Simply washing with soap and water will take care of it.

What type of personality do you think would make a person well-suited to this type of work?

Asked by Violet over 9 years ago

See above.