BY

First, I would like to thank my family and friends. They have helped push me to pursue graduate education and I would not have completed my Ph.D. without their continued support. I would like to extend special thanks to my parents for instilling in me so many of the qualities that have been invaluable in pursuing research. A special thanks is also due to my wife, whose contributions to my life cannot be totaled. My most sincere thanks is owed to my research adviser, Dr. Chengguo Xing. Over the past five years, he has helped to guide me through many tough situations in my research, and I am thankful for his patience and helpful thoughts. He has been a wonderful adviser, always providing continuous encouragement and advice. Colleagues belonging to the department as well as other programs have been very much appreciated as well. I have received a lot of guidance, suggestions, and help from people working in multiple departments, and without their help would not have been able to accomplish everything I did. I would like to especially thank other lab members who