As the Senior Conservation Policy Analyst in the Center for Conservation Innovation at Defenders, Dave uses his legal and scientific experience to research and analyze environmental laws and policies that are wildlife-focused, or that have a significant impact on wildlife, to improve their effectiveness in conserving imperiled species and habitats.

Prior to joining Defenders, Dave practiced law in Colorado, and was a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Maryland. Dave's previous scientific research included a range of taxa and habitats but largely focused on topics at the intersection of community ecology, conservation biology, and global change biology.