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

Lisa, I'm a published author working on a novel. Woman was murdered and buried 20+ years ago. Can authorities 1) determine her identity and 2) Can they tell whether she was pregnant when she died? Thank you in advance!

Asked by Jack over 6 years ago

Answer to both is: maybe. If she was buried in the earth over 20 years, unless the ground was always frozen or so dry that she mummified, there will most likely be only skeletal remains left. So they might be able to establish identity from dental records, medical device implants (say a pacemaker or an artificial hip), or something left in the grave with her (like an ID card). I believe anthropologists can tell from the pelvic bone if someone has given birth, but not if pregnant at the time of death. However depending on how far along the baby is, they might have their own bones present so then it would be obvious. Best of luck!

how accurate is measuring the age of human bones , particularly after 30 years of age how less accurate percentage wise per decade after 30 years of age?

Asked by andy over 5 years ago

I'm sorry but I also can't answer that question. You'd have to ask an anthropologist.

How important are strong written and verbal communication skills in your field? ( I’m asking as an English assignment )

Asked by Madison over 6 years ago

Well, they need to be complete and accurate, but otherwise the actual English used can be pretty basic. Happily we’re not graded on our composition skills!

I currently work as a Lab Tech in the Military and looking into future careers. I have a huge interest in forensics. The problem is I have a little bit of a criminal history when I was a kid. Will this be an issue when it comes to finding a job?

Asked by Re over 6 years ago

I doubt it. It depends on how little it was, and if those juvenile records are sealed (they usually are) but if it didn't prevent you from joining the military I'm guessing it wouldn't affect you working in a crime lab.

how can you tell how long someone has been dead if they have been formaldehyde/ formalin poisoned?

Asked by Student over 6 years ago

You'd have to ask a pathologist, but I believe that drinking (I assume) formalin and dying of poison would not preserve the body as it would if someone was embalmed with formalin/formaldehyde. So the indicators for time of death would be the same as with any other death. But I don't know that for sure. Best of luck!

Have you ever found any bodies with missing organs? Do you know the effects on a body when organs are removed in a crude way?

Asked by Aly over 6 years ago

No and no, I’m afraid. That’s more a question for a pathologist.

Where do you burry a body?

Asked by The man almost 6 years ago

Where ever it’s convenient, I suppose.