providing me with their expertise. Thanks also goes out to Paul and Vijay who helped create and problem solve the geometries. I would like to express my thanks to the BME secretaries April and Angie for their help with the paperwork. I am grateful or my sister Kim for her proofreading skills. I am forever indebted to my parents, Deb and Pat, who have always encouraged me to strive, and given me their unwavering support in whatever I attempt. I would also like to thank my grandparents and the rest of family for their support. Finally I would like to thank Ben who helped proofread , and who put up with me when I was stressed out.