I hereby declare that I am the sole author of this thesis. This is a true copy of the thesis, including any required final revisions, as accepted by my examiners.I understand that my thesis may be made electronically available to the public.I also want to thank my mom and dad. Without their unwavering love and support, I would not have been able to complete this work. They have been my guiding light, encouraging me to persevere and believe in myself throughout this journey. Special thanks to Professor Nancy A. Day and Professor Michael W. Godfrey for their invaluable constructive feedback as my thesis readers.Last but not least, I also want to thank my adorable cats, Lion and Momo, and my beloved dog Anthony for being my constant companions. I am grateful for their silent support, which reminded me to take breaks and cherish the simple joys of life. iv Dedication To my family. I will always be grateful for your love and support. v