Add to ORKGI would like to express my sincerest gratitude to my advisor Dr. Jeffrey Gralnick whose invaluable advice, suggestions, and mentorship made this thesis possible. I would also like to thank my committee members Dr. Daniel Bond and Dr. Christine Solomon for their support and helpful discussion along the way. Thanks also go to all of my lab mates in the Gralnick lab whose thoughtful conversations and dialogue have helped in forming this work. Special thanks also go to my family. First and foremost, most thanks go to my husband Randall. None of my accomplishments thus far would have been possible without your love and encouragement. Through the ups and downs, you have consistently been my biggest supporter. To my parents, thank you for always ...