While at the University of Texas at San Antonio, David focuses on environmental anthropology and ethnobotany, examining relationships between Indigenous and Western knowledge systems and plant-human interactions in the Andes-Amazon. For his master’s at North Carolina State University, he researched the diversity of Yagé (ayahuasca) lianas among the Cofán, identifying three species previously unreported to Western science. David has led and collaborated on restoration and permaculture projects across Mexico, Panama, and the United States, implementing Indigenous gardens and food forests that integrate ecological design with cultural knowledge. He has also worked extensively as an instructor and expedition leader in ethnobotany, ethnobiology, and tropical biology courses throughout Latin America, mentoring students in field-based research and conservation. As an undergraduate, David documented over 300 traditionally used plant species in Santa María, Boyacá, resulting in illustrated field guides that continue to support local knowledge and conservation efforts. He now works as a doctoral researcher and instructor, advancing interdisciplinary approaches to conservation, biocultural diversity, and Indigenous sovereignty through collaborative research with Cofán communities. David is fluent in Spanish, English, and Italian. This fall, he will continue his doctoral research while expanding ethnobotanical and conservation initiatives with Indigenous partners in Colombia. David has previously led student programs in Costa Rica, Peru, Belize, and Ecuador & the Galápagos.