have provided to me. It would be improper if the final acknowledgment did not go to my super- visor, Kostas Dimopoulos. The work that we have done together has been exciting, interesting and challenging. During some particular bleak times during the course of this work, he has been compassionate and accommodat- ing. I cherish the knowledge, wisdom and conversations that we have shared. I sincerely thank you for everything that you have done for me. ii