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Alum Nicole Zaino combines research in biomechanics, assistive technology with world-class Para Nordic skiing

An overhead photo of Nicole Zaino using a sit-ski in a Para Nordic ski race

June 17, 2025

While Nicole Zaino was Ph.D. student in mechanical engineering, her study of biomechanics and assistive technology focused on customized mobility devices and how individuals use and are impacted by mobility aids. Advised by Katherine M. Steele and Heather Feldner, she also served as HuskyADAPT‘s Community Outreach Chair and worked in the IMPACT Collaboratory.

Despite the rigors of her work, she knew she needed a physical outlet for stress. Zaino had always been active growing up but had never tried mobility aids to help with partial paralysis from a childhood stroke. She found Seattle Sled Hockey and her inner athlete. She played professionally for the Seattle Kraken for several years. For her, the balance of Ph.D. student and professional athlete was great. Getting checked into walls… not so great. And then she tried sit-skiing.

Headshot of Nicole Zaino, a young woman with wavy brown hair and teal eyeglasses.

Nicole Zaino, Ph.D. 2023 Mechanical Engineering, Research Scientist at LUCI Mobility

“When I sit-ski, it feels so amazing and graceful and freeing.”

~ Nicole Zaino, research scientist and world-class Para Nordic skier.

“My knowledge of biomechanics and physics has definitely helped me understand what the most efficient position for maneuvering is, for climbing hills with my disability,” Zaino said in a UW Be Boundless article.

That knowledge, her penchant for “finding the ‘pain cave’ and pushing it,” and intense training contributed to a speedy progression from newbie to world-class athlete:

  • 2022: First tried sit-skiing
  • 2023: First full season training in Bozeman Montana with the U.S. Paralympics Nordic Skiing team
  • 2024: Competed in her first World Cup in Prince George, British Columbia
  • 2025: Competed in the Para Biathlon World Championships in Pokljuka, Slovenia
  • 2026: Competed in her first Winter Paralympics in the Para Nordic and Para Biathlon events
Two photos of Nicole Zaino. On the left, she's para skiing with a sit-ski. Her arms are at head level and poles ready to propel her forward. On the right, she lies on her stomach while aiming a specialized rifle in a biathlon competition.

Staying balanced as a research scientist and elite athlete

Now, Zaino splits her time between working as a research scientist in biomechanics and assistive technology at LUCI Mobility and training with the U.S. Paralympic Nordic team in Bozeman Montana.

This article was excerpted from the UW Be Boundless article and Zaino’s Team USA biography