On Some Size-Structured Population Models

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my joint advisors Dr. Azmy S. Ackleh and Dr. Keng Deng for introducing me to the field of mathematical biology. They have shown me how exciting and fruitful interdisciplinary collaborations can be. Their perse-verance, demand for continual improvement, and precise attitude towards research have impressed me strongly during my study. I would like to thank them for their continual guidance and encouragement. Their invaluable advice and continual encouragement have been crucial to the final version of this work. I would like to make an acknowledgment to Dr. Sophia Jang and Dr. Robert D. Sidman who have served on my dissertation committee and have taught me several courses. I thank them for continually supporting me and generously helping me in many ways. I thank all of my professors, both past and present. I have learned much more from them than they will ever realize. I also thank all of my friends who have made my life more enjoyable and more memorable. I am extremely grateful to my great parents, Tingyan Wang and Xiue Zhang, for their faithful encouragement and support throughout every step of my life. Their influence can be seen on every day of my life. I have greatly profited from the deep concern and thoughtful suggestions from my dear brother Xutao Wang. Without the love, support, encouragement and understanding from my parents, my sisters and my brother, this work certainly would not have been possible. I dedicate this dissertation to my beloved family for their deep love