There are many people to thank for making my time in this program enjoyable and profitable. I would first like to thank Professor Peter Searson and the members of his group in the Materials Science Department. All contributed to my time there these last two summers. I would especially like to acknowledge Dr. Tom Eagleton, who was willing to take a teacher under his wing and give him some needed direction. Tom, thank you very much for your time, patience, input and guidance! You made my time in this program profitable.

I would also like to thank Professor Robert Cammarata, Vilma Lonsdale, Jane Callahan and Marge Weaver for their help and support over these last two summers.

Finally I would like to thank the National Science Foundation for their support of this program.