ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

 The process of earning my master' s has been a lengthy process, in which many

people have offered invaluable assistance. I would like to thank my advisor Dr. Won Suk

'Daniel' Lee, who instructed me and always supported me. I am privileged to have

collaborated with him on this proj ect. His advice and ideas have been the pillars that have

held this work to a higher standard. My appreciation goes to committee members Dr.

Thomas F. Burks and Dr. James J. Ferguson for encouragement and guidance to complete

this work. I also wish to thank Dr. Kelly T. Morgan and Mr. Jae Hyuk Choi for their

assistance during field operations. Thanks go to my parents and family members for their

continuous prayers, concern and support. Finally, I would like to thank all of those not

explicitly mentioned here who have aided my intellectual and social growth throughout

my academic career.