To my family, who have supported me since day one and pushed me to work towards my dreams. To my friends and loved ones who have stuck with me through the ups and downs, and for being understanding during my time in graduate school-I would not have been able to do this without you, and for helping me learn that: "We are made to persist. That's how we find out who we really are."-Tobias Wolff v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS First, I'd like to acknowledge and thank Dr. José R. Almirall for providing me with the opportunity to be a part of his research group, for his guidance, insight, and for pushing me to excel. I would also like to thank my dissertation committee Dr.