David graduated from Yale University (B.A. History) with a course of study focused on state formation in 20th century Central Africa. His senior thesis explored the antecedents of one-party rule in Zambia.

During college, David was a licensed private investigator for two private intelligence firms: Gravitas Investigations in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Strategic Insights Group in Fort Worth, Texas. He also completed a six month Chinese language program at National Taiwan University.

In addition, David has worked at:

• The Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York;

• The Development Affairs Office at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Rwanda to the United Nations in New York;

• Homeland Security Investigations’ Honolulu Field Office with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security;

• The National Security Practice at Red Cell Partners;

• The Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs at National Defense University in Washington, DC;

• The Environmental Law Institute;

• Yale University’s MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies; and

• Yale University’s Institute for Social and Policy Studies.

He is currently an active duty U.S. Marine Corps Officer.