Acknowledgments A few years ago, pursuing a PhD was something I had not seriously considered. In fact, I didn’t even know what a PhD was. The idea of dedicating myself to research seemed far from where I thought I would be. Yet, here I am, not only having completed this PhD dissertation, but also having discovered a deep interest in and appreciation for research. It has been an enriching experience, made possible through the support of many people. First, my deepest appreciation goes to all who have directly contributed to my PhD journey: my supervisors, ROA colleagues, MILE colleagues, and many others. To all of you: thank you for your guidance, support, and willingness to engage with my work. I am grateful for our discussions and for your patience, expertise, and encouragement. In the same way, I want to extend my thanks to those who supported me in more indirect ways. From providing a collaborative and welcoming environment, to offering a listening ear, to helping maintain a positive atmosphere during less pleasant times, each of these contributions is sincerely valued and has made a meaningful difference throughout this journey. In closing, I hope this work, in some small way, reflects the impact you have had on my development. As I move forward, I take with me the lesson that every challenge is an opportunity to learn, and that every ending can mark the beginning of something greater. v
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