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.

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

989 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Best Rated

Why are some people with jobs like yours some people are sworn officers usually working as detectives/investigators and other times not?

Asked by 345 about 5 years ago

It’s whatever the particular agency’s Standard Operating Procedures require. Each police agency can make their own requirements.

Have you ever seen something that traumatized you before?

Asked by Saul about 5 years ago

There was a really bad case of elder abuse that I think I blocked out of my mind for the most part, because I can picture only a brief image of it while I remember everything else about the call. Other than that, no.

Is it true that if someone testes positive or inconclusive for COVID-19 and they die no matter how their death is ruled as COVID-19 even if it is just a suspicion that they had the illness?

Asked by dfasdfasd about 5 years ago

Honestly, I have no idea. I don't believe we've had any cases in my town yet, or perhaps I don't know because the police department wasn't involved.

Also, only the coroner's or medical examiner's office can declare a cause of death, or the attending doctor if they're under a doctor's care at the time. It's not up to the police department or any other government agency.

Are the lock down orders constitutional

Asked by WE THE PEOPPE about 5 years ago

I am an expert in some areas of forensic science. I am not an expert in law, public safety policy or our political system.

I want to become a forensic scientist technician before I purse education towards becoming a pathologist or forensic scientist. Once I meet the minimum requirements, how do I get started without any experience?

Asked by Mariah Clark about 5 years ago

A pathologist is a doctor, so you'd have to go to med school first, and they usually have standard placement systems. To be a forensic scientist, it's best to get an internship position with your local lab while you're in school or just graduated. Or at least contact all the labs you're interested in, ask for a tour, meet people. You can also attend forensic conventions, though you'll have to pay for the registration. Hope that helps!

What kinds of detectives are there>?

Asked by Baileigh about 5 years ago

‘Detective’ is just a position, like sergeant or school resource officer, so what the detectives investigate depends on what department they’re in—white collar, ‘property’ (which would be burglary, theft, vandalism), ‘persons’ (assault, murder, sex assault), vice/narcotics, etc.

Do you consider yourself a hero?

Asked by Connie about 5 years ago

No. The action is all over by the time I get there, which is just fine with me.