ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I wish to thank my major advisor, Dr. Randy D. Allen, for all the help and guidance during my dissertation project. I have learned a lot during a short time period owing to his close attention and constant availability. I also wish to extend my gratitude to the members of my committee: Dr. Raymond C. Jackson, Dr. Llewellyn D. Densmore III, and Dr. John J. Burke for their help and advice. I wish, also, to express my appreciation to my husband, Lewis, for his patience and moral support during these years. Additionally, I wish to acknowledge the confidence and encouragement which my parents have given me all my life. Last, but not least, I would like to thank my laboratory partners for thei