AirLockAlpha.com

As many fans had hoped, Jewel Staite, who has played a recurring role as Dr. Jennifer Keller on "Stargate: Atlantis," has been confirmed by executive producer Joseph Mallozzi as a full-time cast member for Season 5, according to GateWorld.

"Dr. Keller is a pretty cool girl so far," Staite told the site in an interview last year. "She feels she has to prove herself a little bit. Maybe because she's new, and maybe because she's young and has always had to prove herself around people that doubt her abilities."

Dr. Keller first appeared in the third season finale, and then in Season Four as a recurring character. Staite, best known for her role as Kaylee Frye on "Firefly" and in the movie "Serenity," soon won the hearts of Atlantis writers, fellow cast members, and fans.

Staite joins Robert Picardo in becoming a reglar addition to the "Atlantis" ensemble, which also includes Joe Flanigan, Rachel Luttrell, David Hewlett, and Jason Momoa.

"Stargate: Atlantis" airs on Sci-Fi Fridays at 10 p.m. ET.