David has published many books and articles on geography, development, and culture, and he has lectured on over 40 expeditions across the globe since the early 1990s, including small-ship cruises and luxury jet expeditions. His recent research includes cultural identity in Argentina; the aviation industry; and the geography of rock-and-roll music. He has visited over 2,000 unique destinations for study, research, work, life, and lectures.

Born in England, he spent 12 years in Australia before arriving in the U.S. in 1981. He has lived in Bowling Green, Kentucky, since 1993.

Join us aboard The Gauguin as David shares his expertise in a series of fascinating lectures, such as: 

• Island Geographies: Resources and Geopolitics – Examines the cultural and physical properties of the Pacific islands, with a specific focus on our cruise destinations in French Polynesia. The lecture will also highlight the colonial and post-colonial context of exploration and settlement in the Pacific region, including the Society Islands.
   
• Law of the Sea: Why do Countries Have More Territory than Just Land? – Explains how exclusive economic zones work, why islands have more political and resource territory than just land, and how this system evolved after 1945.  Also examines the role of the U.S. and the United Nations in establishing a framework for managing the resources of the oceans.
   
• Hot Spots, Island Arcs, and Volcanic Chains in the Pacific Ocean – Details how the islands of the Pacific Ocean support biodiversity that has evolved in the context of diverse and complex geological forces.  Examines how the Pacific Ocean was formed, why current island groups are where they are, and how changing climates are reshaping the region.

For additional information on lectures for specific sailings, please click here.