Acknowledgements

I had a lot of time in the car today running between DC and NY, and somewhere between sentimental country radio and BBC world news, my mind drifted to my days in gradschool for science ... what seems a lifetime ago. I wouldn't trade the time and effort for anything, and the acknowledgments section of my thesis explains why:

What goes into a thesis pales compared to what doesn’t … and is nothing without it.

This stack of pages rests on a pedestal not only of background work and experiments both failed and fruitful – but also of constant support by an amazing community. I’d like to thank my extended family for all their love, support and encouragement throughout this process; it’s changed my life in no small way.

As I write this final piece, I have to acknowledge what publications and dissertations never include: For several years the right group collected at the right time. Great work came from the collaboration of talented minds – though more than that, relationships came about. And weddings. And children. Death and heartache. Happiness, friendship and support. In other words: community, and life made rich because of it. I’d like to acknowledge everyone who was a part of this. You will never leave me.

This thesis is simply what happened in the meantime.