graduate students in the Materials Science department and the Biomedical Engineering

program, specifically Brad Willenberg, Brian Cuevas, Bob Hadba, Josh Stopek, Dan

Urbaniak, and Jamie Rhodes.

 I am indebted to Dr. C. Keith Ozaki and the members of his research group,

specifically Zaher Abouhamze. Zaher was always helpful and went above and beyond

the call of duty in assisting me at various times during this project. Dr. Edward Block

graciously supplied the endothelial cells used in this study, and Bert Herrara was very

generous and patient in supplying cells on a weekly basis. Nina Klingmann and Dr. Tina

Lam were also a great source of information and I am grateful to Nina for allowing use of

her incubators and cell culture equipment.

 I would be remiss if I did not thank my family and friends who have supported me

throughout this process and long before. My parents have provided me with every

opportunity to succeed, and without their love and support, I could never achieve the

goals that I have set. My wife, Laura, has been the greatest blessing and greatest friend

throughout our relationship and especially during the first year of our marriage. Her

understanding and support has no bounds, and her love has kept me going whenever I

began to doubt. Most of all I would like to thank God for without Him, none of this

would be possible.