Sydney Peterson’s days rarely look like those of a typical PhD student.

As a three-time Paralympic medalist and a full-time neuroscience PhD student at the University of Utah, Peterson is one of Team USA’s most compelling young athletes. The 23-year-old is balancing a full-time career while preparing for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, splitting her time between the genetics lab and the snow as a Para Nordic skier. Her days look significantly different than those of her teammates.

“It’s a little different because here I was studying and preparing for [qualifying exams] while they were training full-time on snow,” she said. “It’s hard work, but I think with the right time management, it’s definitely doable.

Peterson is currently working in a rare disease lab at the University of Utah, r

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