First, I would like to thank Ben Schottler for his guidance and mentorship. I'd also like to thank Ms. Lori Ball, the MAST Institute, and the University of Northern Colorado for giving me the invaluable opportunity to attend FSI. Next, I would like to thank Dr. Mosher for allowing us to use the equipment and various materials in his laboratory and to Viva Rasé for reviewing our papers and posters and providing valuable feedback. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the Cargill Foundation and Coutts and Clark Western for sponsoring my research and stay at FSI.