David joined the program in 2015 after completing his Ph.D. in political science at Boston University, where his dissertation focused on US foreign policy towards Iran in the 20th century and the intersection of democracy promotion and American foreign policy during the Cold War in the Middle East. He also holds a Master’s degree in politics and history from the University of Glasgow in Scotland.

In addition to work with the Washington program, David has collaborated with think tanks and strategy groups such as the Council for Foreign Relations, CSIS, and the Asia Group, and is currently the Senior Associate Director of Academics at Verto Education. Before his arrival in Washington, David worked at the Center for International Relations in Boston, the Centre for the Study of Islam in Glasgow, Scotland, and the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh, Scotland. His first book, titled “Democracy and the Nature of American Influence in Iran,” was published by Syracuse University Press in May 2017.