Add to ORKGThis dissertation is dedicated to my daughter, Alyssa...may all your dreams come true. ii Acknowledgments This dissertation would not have been possible without several contributions. First and foremost, it is a pleasure to thank my advising professor, Dr. Ambar Sengupta. Throughout my time at LSU, Professor Sengupta has been extremely generous with his insight and knowledge. Despite the many demands on his time, he was always willing to discuss my work and offer his suggestions. He also had a unique and important ability to address and solve any concerns I had during some of my more stressful times here. I would also like to thank the members of my committee, Drs. Kuo, Morales, Smolinsky, and Sundar. A special thanks to Dr. Kuo for his hel...
