Nicolas's research is focused on innovative approaches to understanding human rights, along with an interest in exploring violence, memory, visual studies, drug policy, and the complexities surrounding the war on drugs. With extensive experience as a Senior Lecturer and researcher at Leiden University over the past five years, Nicolas brings a wealth of expertise to both his teaching and research pursuits.

Nicolás has also contributed to scholarly publications, including a book on testimonial literature, memory studies and violence in Colombia, as well as academic articles covering topics related to transitional justice and visual culture. Additionally, he actively engages in public discourse as a weekly columnist for the Colombian newspaper El Espectador.

In his recent research project, Nicolas explores the visual culture surrounding the war on drugs. The project investigates the ways of looking that have contributed to the monitoring and fumigation of marijuana, poppy, and coca crops in Colombia. To accomplish this, he scrutinizes the roles of state agencies, private military and security companies, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. With the aim of tracing the origins of aerial surveillance within the context of the war on drugs, the project delves into the nature of photographic and satellite imagery, investigating its production, circulation, and impact on diverse audiences.