Dr. Toby Russell, a human female, was a Federation scientist specializing in neurogenetic research, posted to the Adelman Neurological Institute. Russell visited the USS Enterprise-D in 2368 at the request of Dr. Beverly Crusher, as a consult after Lieutenant Worf was paralyzed. She suggested using the untested genitronic replicator to repair Worf's spinal column and restore full mobility, but Crusher felt the technology was too risky and would endanger Worf's life even further. Russell asked Worf about the surgery anyway, angering Crusher.