Origin

Maria Morelli was born on Planet Centaris.  After Starfleet Academy she went on to serve aboard the U.S.S. Lexington.  After the Lexington she went on to several short term posting and eventually she was stationed on the U.S.S. Excelsior.  She then ended up serving under James Kirk and is was here that she a brief relationship with Hikaru Sulu.  The relationship ended however when she went on to serve aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid. 

Creation

Unlike most characters in Star Trek this Maria Morelli was created for comics instead of any of the television shows and movies.