Ambitious Starfleet officer at the helm of efforts to create Borg defense systems in 2366. She studied Jouret IV for Borg attack data and, when the Enterprise-D engaged the Borg following Captain Picard's abduction and assimilation, Shelby served as Captain Riker's first officer.

Initially, Shelby butted heads with Riker, especially in the wake of her eagerness to replace him as Picard's first officer.

Following the events at Wolf 359, Shelby was later assigned to Starfleet Headquarters.