Nicolas Pettican

About Nicolas Pettican

I love solving problems that matter, and I do so with modern technology. I don\'t like selling myself though, but let\'s give it a go.Currently I am an Academic Researcher and Software Engineer bridging traditional wisdom with modern technology. I\'m pursuing Buddhist Philosophical Studies at Dzongsar Monastery while conducting comparative research on Madhyamaka Philosophy in collaboration with Pune University (SPPU). I recently founded Offering Bowl, a platform connecting verified monastics with sponsors globaly, preserving traditional dana relationships in the digital age.I have 8+ years of experience leading technical teams and developing healthcare IT solutions, including trend-setting practice management software at Doc Cirrus. I graduated from the University of Manchester with degrees in Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, and minors in Business and Computer Science, and have 10+ years of experience supporting and leading nonprofits.My current focus is on developing secure platforms for Buddhist communities and exploring how technology can serve spiritual practice and community connection.My technical expertise: Full-stack development (TypeScript, Node.js, Vue, Bash), AWS infrastructure, product management, team leadership, and Agile methodologies.When not coding or studying classical texts, you\'ll find me immersed in a paperback book (or an e-ink tablet), doing charity work or chasing the sun at the foothills of the Himalayas.

Experience

1. Academic Researcher

   Savitribai Phule Pune University

   Mar 2025 — Present · Pune, IN

   Conducting comparative philosophical research on interpretations of Nagarjuna\'s Madhyamaka philosophy in collaboration with Dzongsar Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö Institute. This interdisciplinary project bridges traditional Tibetan scholarly methods with contemporary Western academic approaches to Buddhist philosophy.Research Focus:• Comparative analysis of classical Tibetan commentarial traditions and modern scholarly interpretations of Madhyamaka• Investigation of methodological differences between traditional lineage-based study and contemporary academic research• Development of academic papers addressing fundamental approaches to understanding emptiness philosophy• Collaboration with international scholars including professors at University of Pune and Western Buddhist studies expertsMethodology: Classical Tibetan text analysis, contemporary academic literature review, scholarly interviews, cross-cultural philosophical methodologyFunding: Khyentse Foundation Buddhist Studies Grant

Education

• The University of Manchester

  Bachelor's Degree, Biotechnology with Enterprise

  2012 — 2015

• The University of Manchester

  Master’s Degree, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology

  2015 — 2016

• Dzongsar Khyentse Chokyi Lodro Institute

  Bachelor's degree, Buddhist Scriptures and Philosophies

Skills

• Life Sciences
• Schema
• Javascript
• Nosql
• Python
• Json
• Css
• Statistical Data Analysis
• Perl
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Aws
• Java
• Teamwork
• Project Management
• Unix
• Data Analysis
• Market Research
• Pharmacology
• Git
• R
• Illustrator
• Node.js
• Data Analytics
• Public Relations
• Tableau
• Public Speaking
• Time Management
• Genetic Engineering
• Microbiology
• Html
• Leadership
• Research
• After Effects
• Communication
• Photoshop