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

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.

How can I start a path towards becoming a forensic scientist? I am especially interested in DNA and toxicology.

Asked by Ryota almost 6 years ago

I would major in biochemistry for either, and/or genetics for DNA. Best of luck!!

How hard is your job? Does it get a lot easier later down the road? How much easier? How smart (IQ) do you think someone has to be to do your job? What about other skills you have to have?

Asked by DDDDDDDDDDD about 7 years ago

Like any job it gets easier the more you are accustomed and practiced in what you’re doing. I have no idea what kind of IQ you need, and it depends on what you want to do. If you want to analyze DNA you may need a PhD in genetics. But to work crime scene you need only be conscientious, reliable, observant, and willing to learn. 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 7 years ago

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

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!

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 6 years ago

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

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.