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

Do you know if phlebotomy relate to forensic science in any way? If so, how?

Asked by Christina over 4 years ago

I thought phlebotomy was the drawing of blood, so I assume its mostly used in medicine. But one person in my office is actually trained in it so she can draw our blood when we need samples for positive controls.

My was found deceased. I found him on his back. He had lividity on his inner forearms, palms was clear, lividity on his forehead, across his back side across his shoulders and on both sides of his rib cage down to his hips. Chest was clear. Position?

Asked by Jennifer about 5 years ago

Lividity can be patchy depending on areas of pressure. So you can have reddened areas where the blood flowed in and stayed next to clear areas where the body was pressed against a surface and the blood couldn't pool. You would need to talk to a pathologist for more thorough information. I'm sorry for your loss.

I'm graduating in may with my forensic science bachelor's degree, and I'm getting emails from employers inviting me to apply Still, I'm hesitant, they'll just tell me they need A person now When did you apply for a job in forensics during your degree

Asked by mike g almost 5 years ago

Sorry it took me so long to reply! I applied after I got the degree. THat’s kind of odd that they would tell you to apply—does the position require a degree? It couldn’t hurt to contact them for more information and make it clear you won’t have your degree until May and would need to finish your schooling as well. But jobs aren’t easy to come by, so if they’re that interested. In you , you might as well find out more. Best of luck!

I hear from local cops. I hear the FBI is idiots and the US Marshals are a bunch of red necks and fire fighters are not tough. I think this is rude and it’s not nice to stereo type everyone from a agency. Why is this done and do you agree do you hear any of that or noticed any of that

Asked by Jake almost 5 years ago

Every group of people looks for reasons to feel superior to any other group of people. It's (a not very attractive part of) human nature. But in my experience interagency rivalries have been super mild. It's more a trope of fiction than reality.

I wanted to know whether it is possible to do the courses a certain country and get a job in a foreign country ?

Asked by H•A almost 5 years ago

I’m sorry but I don’t understand what you’re asking.

Have, is, or are there any of your books that are, is, or will be a movie?

Asked by 272 about 5 years ago

Trace Evidence, my first book, was optioned and I wrote the screenplay for it. But the producers couldn’t sell it and had to give up. I’ve had nibbles on other books but nothing yet. I keep hoping!

Does gas chromatagraph/chromatagram data always show peaks relative to the solvents used with samples to perform gc/ms analysis?

Asked by Answer Seaker about 5 years ago

That is a great question that I can’t answer! So sorry, but I never worked with a GC or Mass Spec. That was the toxicology department.