design space pruning heuristics and global optimization method for ...

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of
us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.
-- Albert Schweitzer
First and foremost, I would like to thank God for all the blessings He has
bestowed upon me, the greatest of which has been the love and support of family. I
would like to express my never-ending gratitude to my parents, who were the first to
instill in me a love of learning and a strong work ethic, and have always believed in me
and supported me in each and every endeavor I have pursued in my life. You were the
first to light the flame within me, and constantly inspire me to pursue my goals and
dreams. And to my brother Andrew, whose good-natured teasing about becoming a
“doctor” has always made me laugh. Often times, laughter has truly been the best
medicine.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with my advisor, Dr. Robert
Braun, during my time at Georgia Tech. I am especially thankful for the flexibility he
allowed me in choosing not only my dissertation topic, but also in allowing me to finish
my dissertation remotely from California. I would also like to express my gratitude to the
other members of my thesis committee, who all enthusiastically provided me with helpful
advice and insight towards the completion of my dissertation. I would also like to thank
Dr. John Olds, who first gave me the opportunity to work in the Space Systems Design
Lab at Georgia Tech. It seems like each and every day I apply something I learned from
Dr. Olds. He was an inspirational teacher and mentor.
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