McFarland was a mid-24th century Federation researcher. According to Jean-Luc Picard, he was considered to be one of the "greatest scientific minds" in the Federation and a "giant in the field of Archaeology." Although an avid archaeologist, as well, Picard described himself a mere "enthusiastic amateur" compared to McFarland.

McFarland attended a Federation Archaeology Council-held symposium aboard the USS Enterprise-D in 2367. (TNG: "Qpid")