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

Well, according to the movie, as fingerprints leave an oily residue, they found traces of R-12 mixed with it. They also said that the uric acid levels in the eccrine gland residue were inconsistent with a guy with active metabolism. Too far fetched?

Asked by R-Mod over 7 years ago

Yes. Unless they have a crime lab more incredibly equipped than any I've ever visited.

Okay I am righting a book, and I am looking for a way to describe it from a forensic scientist/analyzer's point of view. the man would die with a caved in skull, holding his brain in one hand, and his wife's heart in the other.

Asked by Paula almost 8 years ago

Sorry, I'm having a hard time picturing how what you're describing would be possible.

You mentioned internships earlier and I was just curious on how to approach them, as I am currently a sophmore in college and taking criminal justice classes, but not chemistry classes yet.

Asked by k101 almost 8 years ago

Your advisor should be able to direct you. If not, then call all the crime labs in the area, city, county, state and ask them if they offer internships and how to apply.

how do you become a forensic science technician

Asked by Philisa Claridy almost 8 years ago

A 'forensic science technician' can refer to anything from someone who works in the Property Department to someone who does DNA analysis to someone who investigates death scenes. A good way to get a handle on the situation is to look at online job postings from places where you might want to work--the local police department, the county morgue, the state crime lab. They will post the duties and requirements for each position. You can also check the same information on the websites of professional organizations such as the American Academy of Forensic Sciences or the International Association for Identification. That should give you a good start.

What was your first thought when you started your career in forensic science ?

Asked by Krystal almost 8 years ago

I’m not sure what you mean—when I decided to go into forensic science (in which case it would be “that sounds really cool, like I could solve mysteries without being a cop”) or more like my very first day on the job (which would be “I hope I don’t screw up “).

What is the exact name of the job that is involved in collecting evidence and analyzing it, or is there no such thing? Like for example, does a Crime Scene Investigator's job include gathering evidence from the crime scene and later analyzing it?

Asked by Aman almost 8 years ago

That’s a good question, because there is no hard and fast rule—your title is whatever your boss says it is. A CSI may work only at crime scenes or may also do any office or lab analysis as well, it depends on how big the unit is and how work is distributed.

When women have been raped and they do a rape test kit, how can forensic scientists determine if the woman was raped or if it was consensual sex?

Asked by Steffaney Espinosa over 7 years ago

The rape kit will only show biological evidence of another person besides the victim. Bruising, injuries and testimony will be used to determine whether it was consensual or not.