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ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank Dr. Michael Wascom, my committee chair, for all his relentless support he has given to me over my graduate school career. Dr. Wascom has always been there for me throughout my toughest times while completing my graduate degree. He has always been very supportive, patient, and understanding. I would also like to thank Dr. Margaret Reams and Dr. Nina Lam for being such steadfast committee members. Dr. Reams always believed in me, gave me positive encouragement, and inspired me to write about my thesis topic. Dr. Lam’s critical and constructive inputs challenged me to do my best. I am blessed with a caring and loving family. I am where I am right now because of their never-ending love and emotional support. Both my mom and dad, Ning and Budi, worked very hard to help me whenever and however they can even though they are half way around the world. My older sister, Carla, always willingly provides financial support to help me get through graduate school and offers academic insights throughout my thesis writing. My older brother, Kurt, never stops giving me encouragements and provides moral support