Brian P. Ceresa, for guiding me through life as a scientist, and helping me to be the best independent researcher I can be. I especially am grateful that he reminds me that there is no failure, just lessons learned. As scientist, we learn often. I would like to thank my committee members, Dr. Bates and Dr. Hood, for their guidance and perspective on my research. Every researcher that has passed through the doors of the Ceresa lab was influential in my past, and influences my present and my future. I am grateful for the lessons learned and the friendships made along the way. However, I am most thankful for my first lab friend and collaborator, Dr. Peterson. We grew as scientist together, and I owe much of my success to her support, guidance and ability to help me laugh through the tough spots. Thanks to everyone in my lab network, without all of your help, shared supplies and shared knowledge I could not make science happen. Finally, without the support of my family, I would have never started, let alone finished anything. My father is, and will always be my favorite chemistry teacher, thanks Mr. Hall. Thanks to my late mother for her dedication to my success, you were always there for my three sisters and myself, and we are all better people because of you. Lastly, thanks to my husband, Brandon, for loving me, laughing with me and laughing at me when you absolutely should. The winding road of life is more interesting and fun doing it side-by-side with you.