Samantha was born into a small family in Berlin. Her parents, Kate and Jonathan Wells, were historians and sociologists. From an early age, Samantha showed strong interest in history. Her parents encouraged her interest but also realized that Samantha must be allowed to choose her own path. They encouraged her to seek out other subjects and other educational paths. On a field trip to the Moon in 2358, Samantha got her first real look at another world. She was captivated by the thought of learning all she could about stellar phenomena and about the other cultures that were to be found in the Federation.

Samantha quickly realized that her newfound love of science and her love of history could work for her. She decided to pursue a scientific career in her education but she also wanted to learn all she could about the history of other cultures. At age 14, she spent two years traveling all over the Federation in an exchange program. She attended classes, lived with families and grew to appreciate the vast cultural diversity that was to be found within the Federation.

She also pursued her scientific studies. Samantha was curious about stellar phenomena to the point of absurdity and her parents sought new ways for her to explore her curiosity. They suggested Starfleet but Sam wasn't interested in the military life. When she decided to apply to the Vulcan Science Academy, her parents were pleased and elated. At the Science Academy Sam could pursue both her scientific studies as well as her history of other worlds.

At 16, Sam left Earth for the Academy. She quickly found the curriculum challenging but she grew both as a person and as a scientist in that time. Majoring in astrophysics and temporal mechanics, Sam learned all she could about Vulcans in her time there. As a historian she found their culture fascinating but their cold demeanor baffled her for a time. Gradually, she grew adjusted to the Vulcan way of thinking and grew to respect and admire them as a people.

In 2367, a young Starfleet officer by the name of Michael Ashbury was at the Academy for a lecture on warp design. Sam quickly attracted his eye and the two became an item. Michael accepted a post on Vulcan shortly after and their relationship proceeded along normal lines. In 2370, shortly before Sam's graduation from the Academy, he asked her to marry him.

After graduation, Sam found herself in a dilemma. She was twenty years old, had a new husband and was unsure of what to do with her life. She thought about accepting a post onboard a Starfleet vessel as a civilian but realized that she wouldn't get the assignments she desired. After a brief period, she chose to apply to Starfleet Academy and was quickly accepted. Michael accepted a post on Utopia Planetia and the newlyweds moved back to Earth.

Sam initially found the Academy and military life awkward. She had a tendency to say what was on her mind and it got her in trouble more than once. However, with Michael's help, she quickly adapted and soon enjoyed the rigors of the studious Academy curriculum. She considered following the medical path but soon realized that she was interested in science. Choosing to major in xenobiology with a minor in command and operations, Sam followed the science path. She distinguished herself with her analytical abilities and won the respect of her professors for her work in astrophysics.

In 2373, Sam found herself pregnant and had another dilemma. She could choose to continue her studies or take a sabbatical and wait until after the baby was born to continue. She chose to continue her studies and would take her sabbatical after the baby was born. Shortly before graduation in 2374, Sam had her first child, Madison Rebecca Ashbury. She requested a short sabbatical before assuming her first post as a science officer aboard the USS Windsor.

During her brief time on the Windsor, Sam was part of an away team to Calevere, a system on the outskirts of the Federation. Separated from the away team, Sam was forced to impersonate a Lady of Calevere, taking the place of a noblewoman that had been killed in a rebel uprising. Captured by hostile forces, she was tortured and left to die with no memory of who she was. After regaining her memory through the help of Caleveran locals, Sam convinced the Empress Isabella of Calevere to let her take command of a mission to find the chameloid that had been the main force behind the rebel uprising. Arriving in time to assist the Windsor, Sam chose to leave Starfleet after her traumatic experience.

Sam was offered a position at Starfleet Academy as an assistant professor of astrophysics and slowly started to recover. She had gained a new appreciation for the risks involved in Starfleet and wasn’t sure she wanted to venture into space again. However, in 2379 Michael was transferred from his position as an engineer at the Utopia Planetia shipyards to an engineer on the USS Sulu. Sam felt she had no choice but to go along. Her family was too important to consider breaking apart. After some deliberation, she asked to be reinstated in Starfleet and was offered a position as a science officer on the USS Sulu.

Sam is quiet and soft spoken. She is a great listener but tends to speak her mind, sometimes without thinking. She has a tremendous understanding of Federation cultures and noted expertise in astrophysics and xenobiology. Sam keeps on open mind about most issues and is loyal to those who earn her respect and trust.

Married to Lt. jg Michael Ashbury. They have a daughter, Madison Rebecca Ashbury.