Understanding the interplay of structure and dynamics in neuronal networks

To Bozenna Pasik-Duncan, whose example, encouragement, and friendship inspires me to continue along this academic path. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS As with any work of this nature, this could not have been done alone. I'd like to thank all of the members of the Zochowski lab, especially Rhonda Dzakpasu for teaching me the cell culture protocol, Jane Wang and Eva Olariu for their work on the structural labeling, and Liz Shtrahman for her help with the electrical recordings. I also would not have made it through those first few years in the lab without the patient guidance of Ben Singer and Jack Waddell who answered more of my questions than they probably should have, and were excellent friends and role models as well.