David received his B.A. in Physics from Grinnell College. Although music and theatrical performance have been a passion of his since he was in middle school, David realized in high school that he wanted to seek a career path in the hard sciences, specifically physics. He looked for a field that would integrate his interest in the area of physical sciences and his enthusiasm for music. Eventually, during his undergraduate work, he discovered the field of acoustics through a series of internships and independent projects, and realized that he had found the perfect combination of personal and career interests.

He received his Ph.D. from the Architectural Engineering program at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, where he focused on research in the field of acoustics. Joining the Architectural Engineering program at the University of Nebraska was a natural step in the progression towards a career in acoustics, as it is one of only a few programs to offer graduate studies in the field of acoustics. Within this field, David has been particularly interested in performance space acoustics and the behavior of sound energy in enclosed spaces. With the aid of several fellowships, including the Ford Foundation Diversity Fellowship, David was able to graduate with a Ph.D. in Architectural Engineering - Acoustics.

David's industry experience has included internships and consultant positions with acoustical firms in Los Angeles, Dallas, Omaha, Chicago, and Seattle. David's primary fields of industry expertise cover a broad spectrum, including room acoustics, sound isolation, mechanical noise control, and environmental noise control.