for their comments and encouragement, but also for their insight and questions which broadened my research. I am grateful for the support and encouragement of the CBE staff. Ms. Albrecht, Ms. Schnedler, Ms. Wheatley, and Ms. Potter played a key role in my success by facilitating access to resources, reminding me about essential academic deadlines, and helping me navigate graduate and department requirements. In addition, I am thankful to Ms. Potter for her interest in my well-being and her kind and empowering words throughout the years. My lab mates, Victoria Henry, Richard Gonzalez and Michael Delcau, were being supportive and great lab partners in and outside the lab. I want to thank Yuan Cheng and Ben Ungs for their help on the completion of my project. My sincere thanks also goes to Dr. Lynn Teesch and Vic Purcell who trained me in the use of the GC-MS equipment and advised me on better ways to improve product detection. Without their support it would not have been possible to conduct this research.