UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN–MADISON

iacknowledgments It is with the most sincere gratitude that I wish to acknowledge the help and support of my advisors, teachers, friends, and family. This dissertation wouldn’t have been possible without them. My advisor, Irena Knezevic, has had an extensive impact on all aspects of my academic career as a teacher, mentor, and role model. She has been an excellent mentor by helping me shape and hone my research, writing, and teaching skills. Moreover, she has been a friend at times, encouraging and supporting me during the difficult patches. In my goal towards an academic career, it is her that I will undoubtedly try to emulate. My co-advisor, Susan Hagness, and my Master’s advisor and PhD committee member, John Booske, have also influenced me in numerous ways. From Susan, I have learned important writing and teaching skills. From John, I have learned to always be enthusiastic and open about the multidisciplinary nature of science. I also thank Maxim Vavilov and Mike Arnold, for being on my committee right from th