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

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my friend died under strange circumstances. there was alcohol, cocaine & marijuana in her toxicology report that was performed at the hospital. she was put on life support & died a few days later. her arms & legs were stiff. what does that mean? OD?

Asked by trina over 8 years ago

I'm sorry about your friend but I wouldn't have any idea what it means. You'd have to ask a doctor if stiffness of the limbs is a symptom of certain drugs.

Can you figure out someone's identity by a blood sample? Like figure out their DNA and who they are?

Asked by Ashton about 8 years ago

You can say that this blood came from this person. But you have to have a DNA sample from that person to compare it to. (A swab from inside the mouth is fine, it doesn't need to be blood.) or they need to be already in the DNA database.

Hello I am Jordan and I am in the Gift and Talented program at school and I'd love for you to answer some questions at jclack900@s.kempisd.org
Please respond back.

Asked by Jordan over 8 years ago

Okay I emailed you.

What kind of hours do you work

Asked by Angel almost 9 years ago

We work 40 hours a week plus overtime when needed.Right now I'm on four 10's but I was on 12 hour rotating shifts, 6 am to 6 pm, and will be going back to that next year. I liked that schedule.

what personal qualities are recommended?

Asked by kenia about 8 years ago

Attention to detail, an interest in science and the ability to occasionally work in chaos.

If someone were to conduct an experiment using fake blood spatters, would it change the results to that of real blood splatters?

Asked by Rylee almost 8 years ago

I'm sorry, I wrote a whole answer to this but somehow it didn't post. It may, depending upon how much different from real blood the fake is, for instance if it's significantly more or less dense. But in terms of fluid characteristics it may not change it enough to even be noticeable or make much of a difference in the final analysis.

How long is your average report for a case?

Asked by Emily about 8 years ago

About two pages.