I would like to thank Dr. Arnold Murdock for agreeing to serve as the Chair of my Portfolio Committee and for doing an outstanding job of offering portfolio and career advice. I would also like to thank Dr. Mahanz Moallem for being such an outstanding Advisor throughout my studies in the MIT program, and also for offering your expertise as a member of my Portfolio Committee. Thanks also to Dr. Jennifer Summerville for agreeing to serve on my Portfolio Committee and giving such great insight with regards to my writing skills, and career goals. I could not have done it without all of you.