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

Is it normal for All Government Offices to Destroy a minor child's death records and accident report????

Asked by Brandy almost 9 years ago

Not that I'm aware of. Are you sure they were destroyed? Or simply not located at that office?

Where would you say is the best university to study forensic science?

Asked by Dom almost 9 years ago

I'm sorry but I wouldn't have any idea. They didn't even have forensic science degrees when I went to school.

Considering gunpowder residue, how is it possible for someone to get it on their hand after simply firing a gun?

Asked by R-Mod over 8 years ago

Gunshot residue can actually refer to two things, gunpowder that flies out of the barrel with the bullet and can land on the victim, and primer residue that can leak out of the back of the bullet cartridge and spray out onto the shooter's hand. But it can also get on the gun or nearby surfaces or people so presence of it on hands does not prove someone fired a gun, and it can wipe off easily so absence of it doesn't prove they did.

What is the first thing a forensic team does when they reach the crime scene in this case homicide?

Asked by marge white over 8 years ago

Get everybody out of it, and then take pictures.

s it possible to determine trajectory that a gun was fired, if so, how?

Asked by Noah B over 8 years ago

At it’s most basic, a trajectory is just geometry. If you can find two fixed points then you can draw a straight line between and beyond them.

Hi. Does the crime scene investigator lead the investigation? or does he collect the evidence and analyse it and pass it on to someone who leads the investigation/ interviews witnesses/ searches for the perpetrator etc? I want to work in field

Asked by Justyna about 8 years ago

Usually, as far as I know, the detective is in charge of the investigation. The CSI doens’t work for them but is there to provide technical support and advice, but ultimately, the detective has the final say. And unlike TV, the detectives are interviewing witnesses and deciding who to arrest. Best of luck!

how do you become a forensic science technician

Asked by Philisa Claridy about 8 years ago

A 'forensic science technician' can refer to anything from someone who works in the Property Department to someone who does DNA analysis to someone who investigates death scenes. A good way to get a handle on the situation is to look at online job postings from places where you might want to work--the local police department, the county morgue, the state crime lab. They will post the duties and requirements for each position. You can also check the same information on the websites of professional organizations such as the American Academy of Forensic Sciences or the International Association for Identification. That should give you a good start.