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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989 Questions

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Did you ever puke or feel funny on a certain case?

Asked by MarieAbend over 8 years ago

I got a little queasy at my very first autopsy, but since then, no.

797 Votes

I want to get a degree in forensic science. Is this possible? And how would I get there?

Asked by Sarah over 8 years ago

Go to a college that offers a degree in forensic science. Each college or university should have a website where they list the degrees they provide.

797 Votes

So you wanna be a Forensic Scientist?

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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 8 years ago

I think those sound like fabulous courses for this field.

794 Votes

Cadaveric spasm has also been called 'instantaneous rigor'. Will muscles/muscle groups frozen from cadaveric spasm 'unfreeze' before the muscles that froze from rigor mortis?

Asked by Tom Phillips almost 9 years ago

I'm sorry I can't help but that's a pathology question. I do not know.

794 Votes

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Asked by Shane over 8 years ago

I think it's unlikely that there wouldn't be any injuries, but I'm afraid I couldn't tell you. You would need a pathologist for that.

794 Votes

what work experience is recommended ?

Asked by kenia almost 9 years ago

Any kind of lab work, lab courses or internships in laboratories or with the criminal justice system.

794 Votes

what on going knowledge does your job keep up with.

Asked by amelia over 8 years ago

Our office gets journals from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the International Association for Identification, as well as smaller publications like newsletters for the Florida Division of the IAI and the one for the association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts.

793 Votes