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 feel that the junk science portrayed on TV makes it more difficult for you to give successful evidence in court?

Asked by Marcel over 7 years ago

That's called the 'CSI Effect' and it can be a problem for juries to have unrealistic expectations. One instructor described it as "Juries don't know as much as they think they know, but they really do know a lot more than they used to know."

I just graduated with a bachelors in Forensics and I have an interview at a crime lab next week, what can I expect? Will they want to see my transcripts.

Asked by FORENSIC over 7 years ago

I’ve never had someone ask for transcripts at an interview, and I think it would be a little unreasonable for them to expect you to have them with you without warning.It will be generally like any other interview. When they ask what experience you have in forensics be sure to mention specific tests and techniques you’ve done, like superglue, crime scene reconstruction, the AFIS system, etc.

If I have a BS in Physics, is that the right path to become a blood spatter analyst or a ballistics expert?

Asked by Trey over 7 years ago

I think it would certainly be an asset!

Best of luck.

I made a cast of a boot I found in dirt. When it is dry and I collect it as evidence, what kind of bag do I put it into? A large paper bag, a plastic Ziploc bag, or another type of container?

Asked by Sam over 7 years ago

Large paper bag. Casting agents usually warm up so that might create moisture inside a plastic container or bag. A cardboard box might be good as well to give it enough support to keep it from cracking.

I am applying for a grad. program that allows me to pursue a masters in forensic science and a PhD in Biochemistry. How would this compare to if I acquire a PhD in forensic science instead? Thank you.

Asked by Joe over 7 years ago

I'm sorry but I have absolutely no idea. You might call the labs at which you'd like to work and ask about the positions you'd like to get, and see what they suggest. They would know a lot more than I would.

Best of luck!

What is the best way to read the writing imprints left on paper towels or ziplocks without scientific equipment?

Asked by Amyleigh73 almost 8 years ago

I would try oblique lighting—try laying the piece down as flat as possible and then hold a flashlight to the side so the light beam travels across the piece instead of down onto it. Adjust the light to where it’s the most helpful. With the ziploc bag you might also put a piece of dark paper inside it to increase the constraint. That’s all I can think of since I’m not an expert in questioned documents. Best of luck!

Is it dangerous to be a forensic scientist ?
Thanks

Asked by Tatiana almost 8 years ago

No.