patience, encouragement, and support throughout the years of my Ph.D. studies. He sparked my fascination with power systems engineering, and from there my journey into academia began. He enlightened me what it means to be a true researcher, and taught me many important lessons. He supported me in every aspect through the most difficult times in my Ph.D. years. I learned a great deal from his ways of thinking and philosophy of life. He has been a true mentor to me. The experience with him has profoundly influenced, and will continue to guide me in the years to come. I am also very grateful to Professor Bradley Lehman and Professor Lev-Ari for serving on my Ph.D. committee. They offered an immense depth of knowledge and insightful advice in their areas of expertise, which were indispensable for the completion of my dissertation. My deepest gratitude and love go to my father, who has guided me throughout my life. Without his vision and encouragement, I could never have imagined reaching this place today. As a father, a scholar, and a human being, he has been the greatest and most influential exemplar to me, and has continually motivated me to move forward. I hope I can carry his spirit with me for this day forward. This dissertation is dedicated to him. There are hardly words that can convey my thanks and love to my mother. Among many other things, she taught me how to observe and enjoy the world around us, which is profoundly beneficial to me within both research and life. I am also grateful for her unconditional support rain or shine, without which the successful completion of my degrees would not have been possible. Finally, I would like to thank all my family and friends who accompanied me all these years. viii