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I wish to thank Dr. Steve Mortenson, Ph.D., for serving as my advisor. I am forever grateful for the support you have shown me throughout this project. You provided encouragement, wisdom, and the occasional push to help me complete this journey. I especially enjoyed all of our conversations in your office that spanned numerous hours and topics. As an advisor, teacher, mentor, and friend, you have given me an incredible number of gifts. I wish to thank Dr. Scott Caplan, Ph.D., for serving on my committee. You helped me make my arguments stronger, my methods more precise, and my analysis sounder. At every step of the process, you have been there to guide me. You also taught me a lot about how to succeed as a graduate student. I deeply appreciate how generous you have been in supporting me. I wish to thank Dr. Charlie Pavitt, Ph.D., for serving on my committee. You were instrumental in developing the framework of this study, which got me started on the right path. And you offered helpful feedback throughout the process that ensured I stayed on the right path. Thank you for your guidance, and for teaching me what huge fun is al