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

How long does an iPhone have to be submerged in lake water before it can’t be used to find locations or contacts?

Asked by J.H. Paree over 6 years ago

I have absolutely no idea. I asked my coworker (who does digital forensics) this one time because I wanted to get rid of some old phones, but she didn't know either. I smashed them with a hammer and then soaked them in my pool for about ten minutes, but of course I have no way to know if that completely worked.

Do some of the remains you have to investigate make you uncomfortable?

Asked by jasmine Nunez about 6 years ago

No, I can't say that they do.

I wanted to know what was the best degree to get for a forensic biologist? I"m getting mixed answers. Do I pursue and undergrad in forensic science and then master in biology or would a 4-year biology degree work?

Asked by Jackie almost 7 years ago

Sorry it took me so long, I was out of town at a conference. But I really don’t know for sure—it’s up to the hiring lab, what they want. I would think a 4 year in Biology with as many Forensic classes as you can get would be best, but a better way to guess would be to call all the labs you’re considering and ask them.Best of luck!

About 6 mos ago i lived w people who want to steal my dna to get a rape conviction and sue me for 2.6 million. Can forensic stuff tell that my nail was shed 6 mos ago,not now?

Asked by Samuel waller over 6 years ago

No.

Is it feasible for forensic scientist to work only on the chemistry side of forensics? I enjoy chemistry, but dislike biology, and dislike the idea of working on bodily fluids. Would a forensic CHEMIST still analysis biological fluid?

Asked by Samarkand almost 7 years ago

Many forensic chemistry departments only analyze possible drugs, so I would think it would be possible to find.

I am a writer doing research, I want to preface this by saying I know what I am about to show might be impossible in the real world, but my story is working with a paranormal cause. Anyway, how would it be possible to appear self inflicted? https://ibb.co/eYiDGK

Asked by Ahmetia almost 7 years ago

Possible for what to appear self-inflicted?

When making a identity from a fire do you make it by random teeth found or teeth in jaw bone? Or how do you determine that?

Asked by Cybill over 6 years ago

Hi Cybill, I'm sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. I believe that they can use the inside of a tooth for DNA analysis, but of course if the tooth is loose they may not be able to determine which body it came from if there's more than one. I expect a dentist would need the teeth still in the jaw to compare with dental x-rays in order to make a comparison that way, but it may all depend on what work, if any, has been done to the tooth and how distinctive that work is. I'm not a DNA analyst (any more) or a dentist so I'm not 100% sure.