Grace Kim

Early Life: Grace Kim was born in Seoul, South Korea, to Ji-hoon Kim, a professor of astronomy at the University of Seoul, and Soo-min Kim, a molecular biologist. Growing up in a family passionate about science and technology, Grace was exposed to the wonders of the universe from an early age. Her parents often took her to the Seoul Planetarium, where she developed a love for astronomy and a curiosity about the mysteries of space.

Education: Grace attended two of Seoul’s prestigious schools, Seoul International School for her primary education and the Dwight School for her secondary education, where she excelled in math and science. As a teenager, she participated in various astronomy clubs and competitions, which further fueled her desire to explore the cosmos. Distractions were kept at a minimum. Grace was also an accomplished artist, often using her paintings and calligraphy to express her fascination with the universe.

Starfleet Academy: Upon turning eighteen, Grace applied and was accepted to Starfleet Academy after a grueling application process in 2391. Her natural aptitude for navigation and her extensive knowledge of astronomy made her a standout candidate. At the Academy, she focused her studies on navigation, stellar cartography, astrophysics, and interstellar law. Grace was a diligent student, and her hard work earned her a place on the Dean’s List- which she maintained all eight semesters of her academy term. She graduated sixth in her class in 2395.

USS Andromeda

After graduating from Starfleet Academy, Ensign Grace Kim was assigned to the USS Andromeda, a Intrepid-class starship on a four-year scientific expedition in the Beta Quadrant, as a junior navigator in 2395.

First Year (2395-2396): During her first year aboard the USS Andromeda, Ensign Kim quickly adapted to the demands of her role as a junior navigator. She worked under the guidance of Lieutenant Tara D’Souza, the ship’s Chief Navigator. Grace’s precise navigation skills and her ability to analyze complex spatial data contributed to several successful missions, including the rescue of a stranded civilian vessel and the discovery of a new class of spatial anomalies.

Second Year (2396-2397): In March 2396, she was assigned to the ship’s Stellar Sciences department as part of her professional development by her executive officer. Here, she worked closely with the department’s head, Lieutenant Rajesh Patel, and played a crucial role in mapping several uncharted star systems. During this time, Grace also worked on refining her navigational techniques, which would later become instrumental in her service aboard the USS Pandora.

Third Year (2397-2398): Ensign Kim returned to her role as a junior navigator in January 2397. Her expertise in stellar cartography and her keen eye for detail enabled her to identify an impending collision between two neutron stars. Her timely detection of this event allowed the ship to avoid the dangerous effects of the resulting gravitational waves and to collect valuable scientific data.

Fourth Year (2398-2399): In her final year on the Andromeda, Grace’s exceptional performance earned her a temporary assignment as Acting Chief Navigator while Lieutenant D’Souza was extended leave. During this time, Grace led the navigation team through a series of challenging missions, including the successful evacuation of a civilian research outpost under threat from an approaching ion storm. Her leadership and dedication during these missions were noted by her commanding officer prominently in her yearly fitness report.

Transfer (2399): Ensign Kim was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade in 2399 while awaiting transfer. Captain Arnold Wooten of the USS Pandora specifically requested her as his navigator and she received orders to the Pandora shortly thereafter.

                                                                                              USS PANDORA

Soon after her arrival, the USS Pandora was called back to spacedock in March 2399 for a major system overhaul that would last nearly a year. During this period, Grace took the opportunity to familiarize herself with the ship’s upgraded navigational systems and participated in various training programs to further enhance her skills. She also collaborated with the ship’s science and engineering teams to develop new navigational techniques specifically tailored for the Pandora’s advanced sensor arrays and propulsion systems-which would pay dividends the following year.

In January 2400, the Pandora received orders to embark on a year-long scientific survey mission in a previously uncharted region of space. The mission involved the study of various spatial anomalies, celestial phenomena, and the search for potentially habitable planets.

Kim’s expertise in navigation and stellar cartography played a crucial role in the successful execution of this mission. Her precise course plotting allowed the Pandora to traverse the uncharted region efficiently, maximizing the time available for scientific research.

She continues to serve aboard the Pandora under the command of Captain Leland J. Maddox.