Add to ORKGDEDICATION This work is dedicated to my parents, without whom this document and journey would have never been feasible. Thank you for all of your unwavering love and support! iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This has been an amazing journey and no acknowledgements section could possibly do justice to all of the people who have helped me complete this journey, but with that being said, I’d be remiss if I didn’t try. First and foremost, I’d like to thank my committee: Dr. Hodgson, Dr. Cutter, Dr. Fernandez, and Dr. Guo, whose guidance and support were unparalleled. A big thank you to Dr. Hodgson, for helping me through all the logistical issues and helping me develop research that combines the theoretic and practical aspects of Geography. I extend huge t...