Step-Father: Windell Swartz
Mother: Heather Swartz

Father: Martin Gladwater

Serena is the only child of Martin and Heather. She was born and raised in Grand Isle, LA. Martin and Heather divorced when Serena was two. Martin was given full custody of young Serena. As a single parent, Martin often took Serena to work with him.

At an early age, Serena was exposed to technical items and engineering theories. Serena began helping with repairs to the engines that Martin worked on at a fairly young age. Martin encouraged Serena's curiosity and during her schooling encouraged her to take mechanics classes as well as the standard curriculum. Serena was an average student, finding that she preferred to spend time with Martin and the engines than studying.

After graduation, Serena ventured outside of Grand Isle and attended Tulane University in New Orleans where she studied physics and engineering. Upon graduation, Serena returned to Grand Isle and worked with her father for two years.

Deciding that she liked travel and adventure, Serena decided to apply to Star Fleet, upon completion of the Academy, Serena was assigned to the USS Ogawa as an engineer.

Serena maintains close contact with Martin and to a lesser extent Heather and Windell.