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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989 Questions

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Could I ask you some questions for a school project?

Asked by ssosiak1 almost 9 years ago

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

891 Votes

If a person kills themselves by hanging (belt) does trauma 2 throat and petecheia show up immediately at time of death

Asked by Jennifer about 9 years ago

Yes. I've never heard it mentioned that certain things don't show up until later.

891 Votes

So you wanna be a Forensic Scientist?

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Is there a way to tell the person's weight from their skeleton? I know you can tell age, race, old injuries and so much more. Would you be able to tell that the bones belonged to a 400lb man?

Asked by Desiré over 9 years ago

That's an excellent question but you need an anthropologist to answer it. I'm afraid I don't know. Sorry!

891 Votes

I want to get a degree in forensic science. Is this possible? And how would I get there?

Asked by Sarah almost 9 years ago

Go to a college that offers a degree in forensic science. Each college or university should have a website where they list the degrees they provide.

891 Votes

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Did you ever puke or feel funny on a certain case?

Asked by MarieAbend almost 9 years ago

I got a little queasy at my very first autopsy, but since then, no.

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Would taking Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Criminology for A levels be a good start for this job or should I opt for a different option?

Asked by Katrina almost 9 years ago

I think those sound like fabulous courses for this field.

889 Votes

What are the major clues that indicate a murder?

Asked by bart white almost 9 years ago

That would depend entirely on the circumstances and method of murder, wouldn't it? If they are such that it would be impossible for the person to have died by accident, suicide, or of natural causes, then murder would be suspected.

889 Votes