La'an Noonien Singh is a descendent of the Augment tyrant who caused Earth's Eugenics Wars which eventually led to World War III. She grew up with the shadow of her name making her the target of bullies and bigots.

While living with her family aboard the colony ship USS Puget Sound, they were captured by the Gorn and taken to a nursery planet to be hosts and food for the Gorn.

La'an was the last survivor and the Gorn set her adrift in a raft vessel as part of their traditions. She was rescued by the USS Martin Luther King Jr and met Una Chin-Riley who inspired her to join Starfleet.

She is currently the Security Chief aboard the USS Enterprise under the command of Christopher Pike and his First Officer, Una Chin-Riley.