Acknowledgements

First- and foremost I would like to thank my advisor-, Dr. David-Gabriel for introducing me to research, building my confidence, and encouraging me to reacll the highest potential. I am truly grateful for all of your help and support and for teaching me so many life lessons in addition to the academic lessons. I will never underestimate the value of scutt work. I would also like to extend my thanks to the entire examining committee Dr. Nota.Klentrou, Dr. Diane Stevens and Dr. Jean Boucher for all of their contributions to this document and for the challenging and thought-provoking questions and comments. To Dr. Stevens in particular, thank you for your patience and guidance in an area with which I was completely unfamiliar. Despite all of the complaints it was a pleasure to learn. To my labmates, Kristina, Steve and Deb, thank you for making this an enjoyable journey and for all of your encouragement. Thanks also for reminding me that I need to have a little fun once in a while. The scutt work is all yours now. I would also like to acknowledge my neighbour Greig. Thanks for helping me procrastinate when I needed it and for whipping me into shape, both physically and mentally. To my family, here is the reason I rarely get to see you. Thank you for all of the financial and moral support, it is never underestimated in my mind. It has been an honour to be surrounded by so many wonderfu