ABSTRACTguidance, support and encouragement. He has been a great mentor and I have learned a lot from him, both in academic research and in personal life. He didn't only provide me the necessary infrastructure and resources to complete this project, but also gave me enough freedom and opportunities to test and implement my own ideas. He always encouraged me to think 'out of box' and allowed me to work on several other projects apart from the subject of this thesis. Prof. Priya has his own style; his dedication towards the work, his courage and conviction to take new challenges, his optimism, and the most importantly, his attachment with the students are few of the many qualities that has always inspired me and will always motivate me in future to move ahead.I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Prof. Walter O'Brien and Prof.Danesh Tafti for mentoring me in many academic courses and serving on my MS committee.