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

Would it be better to have a bachelors degree in biology? Or a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice focused on forensics?

Asked by Sabrina over 8 years ago

That depends on what job you're applying for--does it entail more lab work or more scene work? The only way to know for sure is call the places you might want to work and ask, or at least check out job postings online.

What are the questions you would ask when you find a fiber?

Asked by Cory about 8 years ago

Well, if it's found on the victim, you might ask if it came from the suspect's clothing/upholstery/etc., and vice versa. Or it could similarly link either party to the crime scene, depending upon the circumstances of the case.

Can cigarette remains (Butts, partially smoked, etc.) be used to identify time in forensic investigation? (ex: Staleness)

Asked by Wolf - Research for Novel over 8 years ago

Not as far as I know. I think that would be too difficult because even if you could assess staleness, you wouldn't know how fast the person smokes a pack, therefore how long the pack had been open, how it had been stored, etc.

Hi my name Is Gemali Monzon and I go to Chehalis Middle School and we are doing a project on the career we want. I want to be a forensic science technician and would like to interview you. You can get back at me at monzongasparg23@chehalisschool.org

Asked by Gemali Monzon over 8 years ago

Sure, I'll email you.

I just tried to email you and it came back undeliverable. You can email me at lisa-black@live.com.

Could I ask you some questions for a school project?

Asked by ssosiak1 about 8 years ago

Sure, email me at Lisa-Black@live.com

if you could choose, would you rather work in a lab or on a crime scene?

Asked by kenia over 8 years ago

I like doing both, because being in the lab all the time can get tedious, but being at crime scenes all the time can get exhausting.

If you smoked weed within the past few years of applying to be a tech in a crime lab, could you still get the job or is that a deal breaker?

Asked by Cayla over 8 years ago

It almost certainly would not be a deal-breaker. Just tell them the truth.