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  \bf {Acknowledgments}
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What a long, strange trip it's been! I would never have believed, sitting there on the floor in CS106 so many years ago (there weren't enough seats that first day), that I would now be completing my Master's in CSE. So many wonderful teachers and friends I have met along the way, far too many to thank individually, but a few deserve special recognition.
 
First I would like to thank my advisor, Dr. Frederick C. Harris, Jr., who has been a shining light in my life ever since day one of 106. He was always there, ready to encourage, commissurate, or just chat. He never pressured me to finish, but was totally supportive of my efforts, whether they fizzled out (remember the IPSec phase?) or came to fruition. The CSE department is most fortunate to have such a wonderful educator and genuinely caring person. 
 
I am most grateful to my other two committee members: Dr. Dwight Egbert, with special thanks for tolerating me in just   about every class he teaches at UNR, and Dr. Indira Chatterjee, who generously agreed to serve on my committee even though we had never met. Your input is most appreciated.

Very special thanks go to my friend and collaborator, Dr. Judy Fredrickson. Without her help and gentle prodding, there would never have been a `period at the end of the sentence'. All the brainstorming over lunches at Record St. Cafe, agonizing over code that almost worked, and rejoicing in ultimate success will remain very fond memories.  
 
Thanks also to my friend and fellow traveler Nancy Latourette. Her help and companionship through many grad classes we shared made them so much more fun (or in a few cases, bearable). Nachos Borrachos rule!  
 
Finally, I am eternally indebted to my beloved husband, Mike and son Scott. Without their encouragement, tolerance of my absences and irratic schedule, and willingness to eat more carry-out food than any person should have to endure, this work would never have been completed. With heartfelt thanks, I dedicate my work to them.
\hfill November 1, 2006
 
  
 

 
 
