Acknowledgement

This is my acknowledgement in my thesis. I know no one is gonna go thru the 80 pages thesis, so i just take out this part and post on blog. I wanted to thanks mol for accompaning me, but my bro didn't let me. So.... Mol, thanks, I love you so much.

My deepest gratitude goes to Professor Jiasong Fang. It is a real privilege to be a student of such an exemplary teacher. First, thank you for introducing me to the fascinating field of geomicrobiology. Your immense guidance and generous help throughout the whole research process have taught me the virtues of logical thinking and academic rigor.

I am grateful to my committee members, Professors Dennis Bazylinsky and Germán Mora, whose advice and support are also indispensable.

Special acknowledgment to Dr. Chiaki Kato from the Japan Marine Science and Technology Center for providing me with the valuable sediment and clam samples from the Japan Trench.

I am also appreciative of Kelly Crowley who has read my final draft and provided additional editing. Carrie Carlson, Corey Strauss, Robert White, and Seth Chamberlain have given me the most professional assistance in the laboratory.

I would also like to thank my parents, who had worked so hard so that I could have a good education. I cannot complete this project without their love. I would like to share this moment of happiness with my brother, Alan, and my boyfriend, Nelson. They have offered me much needed encouragement and suggestions that translate into numerous ameliorations in my thesis.

Lastly, I would like to express my appreciation to all my friends in Ames for their kindness.