ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

 First and foremost I would like to thank my research advisor Professor Steven

Detweiler, for his constant encouragement and guidance throughout the entire

course of my research work. I would also like to thank Professor Bernard Whiting

and Professor Richard Woodard for valuable discussions. I am honored and grateful

to Professor James Fry, Professor David Reitze, and Professor Ata Sarajedini for

serving on my supervisory committee.