In his career in the middle and high school classrooms David Masunaga has had the goal of instilling a love, wonderment and understanding of mathematics and its applications through new ideas, new techniques and new technologies. In 1979 he graduated with a degree in mathematics from Northwestern University and entered the classroom with a passion to use mathematics as the bridge to connect both science and the humanities in the lives of students. He was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics in 1985, the first of many national recognitions and awards. In 1986 he earned a Masters Degree in the Teaching of Mathematics and Science from Harvard University. Since then Masunaga has been selected for important leadership roles in numerous organizations including the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, the National Youth Science Foundation, the National Museum of Mathematics and the Textile Society of America. As a former member of the NCTM Board of Directors he has also been focused on public advocacy and support of teachers and their life's work in students’ understanding of mathematics. An accomplished classical musician, he performs on the oboe and English horn in regional orchestras in Hawaii and as a professional artist has had his origami sculptures included in the teaching collection at the Rhode Island School of Design. The 2023-2024 school year will mark Masunaga’s 45th full-time teaching year in mathematics and the arts at ‘Iolani School in Honolulu, Hawaii.