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

What courses did you have to take in college in order to study forensic science?

Asked by hello my name is makiya mcqueen and i am a student at booker t washington magnet high school. I am currently taking a career preparness course and I am very interested in forensic science. I would love to ask you a few questions for my Career investigatio over 7 years ago

Sure, email me at lisa-black@live.com.

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 7 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 long does a body have to be exposed in warm temps before it starts to deteriorate?

Asked by LookingForJustice over 7 years ago

Bodies begin to deteriorate immediately, but the process might progress more slowly or less slowly depending on temperature, humidity, exposure or any medical conditions of the victim.

I am a student doing a research report, when can we connect?

Asked by Meshya Ragan about 7 years ago

Email me at: lisa-black@live.com.

I am busy studying Forensic DNA and srtuggle with the following questions:
consequences of contamination collecting DNA

Your assistance would be appreciated.

Asked by Lindi Steyn almost 8 years ago

Contamination may make it impossible to get a DNA profile, or the profile might show a mixture. It will not cause a profile to look like someone else's DNA. Or it may have no effect at all. It depends what is contaminated with what.

I am taking a Forensics class in High school and I am looking to ask some questions of a Fiber Analyst. Do you happen to be a Fiber Analyst or do you know know anyone who I can contact?

Asked by Bailey over 7 years ago

I used to be the hair and fiber analyst. Unfortunately it's increasing rare to find fiber analysis done at labs. Perhaps I can help you.

Hey got another question what skill do you need to be a forensic scientist

Asked by Sara over 7 years ago

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. 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.