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

Have you ever seen anything like from the movie SAW

Asked by Ally over 7 years ago

I actually haven’t seen that movie. Do you mean super bloody homicides or ones where some psycho has set up a torture chamber? (The answers would be yes to the former, no to the latter.)

What do you think
A) Jeffery Epstein killed himself
B) Jeffery Epstein was murdered
C) Jeffery Epstein was snuck out and alive
D) Something else

Asked by I don’t know over 6 years ago

I have no idea.

If I were to major in CJ and minor in Forensic Science, could I become a forensic scientist? Or am I required to major in biology or chemistry?

Asked by Eliza over 7 years ago

Again, titles and job requirements aren't uniform, so the only way to know is to call the crime labs in your area or whereever you might be interested in working and ask them. At the coroner's office we had to have at least a bachelor's in a natural science (this was before they had forensic science majors). At the police department where I am now, they only require a high school diploma but you get more points in the interviewing process for having a four year degree, so we all have one. You can also go on the websites for professional organizations such as the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and check out their job vacancy postings and see what the various positions require. Good luck.

Your take on Gorge Floyd

Asked by DeeDee almost 6 years ago

You know as much as I do.

I’m currently taking my first forensic course in college. Its online yet I’ve gotten A’s on every assignment and the teacher puts amazing notes on each assignment. Would this teacher be a good recommendation letter she dosnt know me but knows my work

Asked by Forensic over 7 years ago

I don't see why not!

Best of luck.

What’s the difference between a forensic scientist and a crime scene investigator?Can you do both if you have a bachelor degree in criminal and investigation studies and a master in forensic science?

Asked by Bernice over 7 years ago

Again, titles and job requirements aren't uniform, so the only way to know is to call the crime labs in your area or whereever you might be interested in working and ask them. At the coroner's office we had to have at least a bachelor's in a natural science (this was before they had forensic science majors). At the police department where I am now, they only require a high school diploma but you get more points in the interviewing process for having a four year degree, so we all have one. You can also go on the websites for professional organizations such as the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and check out their job vacancy postings and see what the various positions require. Good luck.

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

Asked by Student over 7 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!