I would like to thank my mentors, Drs. Bradford Hill and Aruni Bhatnagar, for guiding me through this process and teaching me how to approach scientific problems appropriately and methodically. I would also like to thank my committee members, Drs. Irving Joshua, Cynthia Miller, and Dale Schuschke, for their advice and support during my time at the University of Louisville. I would like to acknowledge Dr. James McCracken for his patience and time which he spent helping me to learn and appreciate

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... flow cytometry, a technique that I used in nearly all of my studies. To my parents, Carl and Twanda Holden, you both have always encouraged me to be the best version of myself and to work hard to complete any task that is placed in front of me, no matter how daunting it may appear. To my sister and best friend, Lisa Holden, your support is undeniable and I am lucky to have you in my life. To my husband-to-be, Zaunklay Finnila, I appreciate your continued patience and kind words of encouragement. Though all of my family members have been supportive throughout my life, these four individuals have been immensely supportive and loving throughout this entire process and to them I am eternally grateful. Accomplishing this goal would have been impossible without the love and support of each of you and for that I would like to dedicate this work to all of you. iv ABSTRACT THE ROLE OF STEM CELLS IN ADIPOSE TISSUE REMODELING