Add to ORKGii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to begin by expressing my sincerest appreciation to my thesis advisor, Dr. Scott Sarra. His knowledge and expertise have guided me during my research endeavors and the process of writing this thesis. Dr. Sarra has also served as my teaching mentor, and I am grateful for all of his encouragement and advice. It has been an honor to work with him. I would also like to thank the other members of my thesis committee, Dr. Anna Mummert and Dr. Carl Mummert. Their feedback and counsel have been exceedingly beneficial while finalizing my thesis. The leadership of the chair of the Mathematics Department, Dr. Alfred Akinsete, and formerly Dr. Ralph Oberste-Vorth, as well as the guidance of the graduate advisor, Dr. Boni...