for the fun conversations and the shopping trips we went together. I will always remember the pot lucks I had with my LSU friends. Next, I would like to thank that person who was supportive and motivating even being thousands of miles away. Thank you Deepika Sharma for being the best friend, for being supportive and also for listening to those crazy math and non-math stories for more than 8 years now. A special thanks to both Deepika and Kent for listening to my complaints and at the same time

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... otivating me to work harder especially during the last two years. Finally, I would like to thank those without whom I wouldn't be here -my parents. Thank you ma and baba for giving me an amazing childhood, for always giving me the independence to choose my own path and for believing in me. I love you! v