Luis E. Lopez, Ph.D.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First, I am extremely grateful to my colleague and friend, Ms. Charlotte Brannan, for her invaluable support and contribution to my Ph.D. study. Her willingness to advocate and provide a research site made this dissertation possible. I would also like to thank Stephen Tonks, Ph.D., Laura Ruth Johnson, Ph.D., and Carolyn Rodgers, Ph.D., for their immense knowledge, experience, and technical support, which encouraged me across my academic research goals. I would like to thank all my Northern Illinois University professors for their belief and support throughout my academic study. Specifically, Lindsay Harris, Ph.D., for the opportunity to work on several research projects and Kelly Summers Ph.D., for being part of my dissertation committee. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge Keila Martinez. Thank you for believing in me when no one else did. Thank you for your invaluable sacrifice and the two amazing children we brought into this world. I am forever in your debt. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to my grandmother, Ana Juana Lopez, mother, Martha C. Lopez, my brothers, Luis A. Salinas and Luis I. Salinas, my sister Mabel Lurbin Dillanes. Without each of your tremendous understanding and encouragement in the past few years, it would be impossible for me to complete this goal. Your prayers and encouragements assisted me when the road was difficult and my determination waiver. Thank you.
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DEDICATION
This dissertation is dedicated to my grandfather, Jose Santos Lopez. It was my grandfather who shaped me as a man and inspired a love for education and nature. As a child, my grandfather would sit with me so that I could learn to read and write. This is also dedicated to my amazing, strong will, smart and driven daughter, Evon Renea Lopez. You have shaped so many parts of who I am as a father. You hold a piece of my heart and mind. When I am around you the universe is at peace. It is because of you that I can see hope in the world. I love you and I look forward to sharing and witnessing your greatness. This accomplishment is also dedicated to my son, Elijah Malik Lopez, who is my solid rock, a strong fortress of protection, amazing and intelligent. When I am around you, I am reminded of the simplicity of life. You have showed me that when strength fails, gentleness can conquer all. Your existence and patience make me a better man and father. Thank you for being in my life. Most importantly, this accomplishment is dedicated to my amazing, kind, and loving wife, Kate Michelle Lopez. Your strength is silent, and your wisdom is displayed through your care for people, nature, and animals. When I am around you, I don’t see limits only potentialities. You are a brilliant thinker with a kind and peaceful soul. I am fortunate to share this life and journey with you. Through this accomplishment, you have sacrifice so much on my behalf. On many nights and early mornings, you took time to read my papers, corrected my errors, and when I was stuck, you provided solutions. This moment is a continuation of our journey, and I could not have asked for a better partner, woman, friend, and confidant. I love you and I look forward to getting old together. Thank you, my love.
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