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

How long does a blood sample last taken to verify THC content in the specimen? I'm still waiting for results from over 7 months ago.

Asked by Gregory about 8 years ago

I don't know, but it could depend mostly on where the sample was sent and what their backlog is. Some state labs might have a bad backlog. It could also depend on how they prioritize samples.

In a hanging subject dead can a swelling happen from a bang to head during the cutting down of the body. person dead for 45 mins or more

Asked by Joyce over 7 years ago

As far as I know that shouldn't happen because functions stop when the person dies, but that's really a question for a pathologist. I also don't know if swelling, depending upon where it is, might happen as a result of the hanging. Sorry I can't be more help.

Should I get a bachelor's degree in forensic science or in a natural science?

Asked by Rose about 8 years ago

That depends on what you want to do. Call labs that you're interested in working for or peruse job opportunities postings at the major forensic organizations websites and see what they require.

Would taking Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Criminology for A levels be a good start for this job or should I opt for a different option?

Asked by Katrina over 7 years ago

I think those sound like fabulous courses for this field.

How fast would a Chevy Cavalier 2000 year model, 2.2 liter, 4 cylinder, have to go to throw a child less than 80 lbs and 3'7 & 5/8? What would the MPH be????

Asked by Brandy about 8 years ago

As I am not trained in accident investigation, I wouldn't have any idea.

Hello. I'm a high school student trying to become a forensic anthropologist. My parents and many relatives disapprove of my career choice because they think it's morbid. Please tell me something I could use to reason with them. Thanks.

Asked by Maeve over 7 years ago

Well, you could simply say you're going to be an anthropologist, which is true--I believe you'd have to be an anthropologist first and then specialize in forensic work. They might be disapproving because they believe it will be difficult to get a job--which is probably also true. When I was at the coroner's office our anthropologist was a college professor who would drive two hours to come and consult whenever we had skeletal remains. Very few agencies are large enough to have a full-time anthropologist on staff. So you might want to have some sort of back-up plan.

Why is it important in Microbial Forensics to know how medication can change the microbiota of an individual ?

Asked by Sam almost 8 years ago

I'm sorry but I'm not versed in microbiology.