Mireille Consalvey PhD Thesis - University of St Andrews

always been real sweeties. Also thanks to Rebecca Stevenson for friendship and
fluorescence.
Murray Coutts who was there for many computer related disasters and always
came to the rescue! Julian Crowe at IT services who saved my thesis, computer
and sanity not necessarily in that order and Pete Baxter for last minute orders and
endless patience. Also Sean at the Bute Photo unit for figures hot off the press!
And the fellow Ph. D. 's in my year who have helped me make the last 3 years:
Ralph whose sense of humour and road trips to Edinburgh and beyond have been
much valued, John for many lunch dates, dogsitting and who realised that I wasn't
just a geek (and ofcourse Jan) and finally Horgee Fernandez for much laughter!
Carol Spaks Sparling: Thursday nights and BB. Say no more eh? I've valued your
friendship since day I and if you only remember one thing, remember it's Coolio
feat. LV! Thanks also to the other pub quiz gals: Rona, Cat, Leigh, Jeri and Sooze.
And those gone but definitely not forgotten: Les, Stew, Gen, Nick, Joe and Jim.
I would also like to thank Rod Forster and Astrid Hanlon for help and advice on
many things fluorescence over e-mail and in person.
All my other flatmates for many welcome distractions: Philip Kirk who helped
make first year so much fun, Susie Dutton for a fab summer and the new girls at
Union Place. As well as honorary flatmates Lindsay and Alan whose house has
been as welcoming as my own and who have provided endless meals, BBQ's and
good nights in!
Sidn, Alex, Rian, Ross, Gordon and Hazel as well as Clinton and Lee and all the
other South Africans ... what is there if there aren't holidays planned? To the
Davies sisters for becoming like my own and for much laughter and support
regarding my wet grass and Microphllphlyglpllythos.
Half way through my Ph. D. I went on a CRAC course, a huge morale boost.
Thanks NERC for paying and team X. Especially Tim who became a great mate!
And of course (well spotted Jon) all my friends from home: Jo W, Nom and Lissa
who despite the years and miles apart have stayed true to form and proved how
timeless friendship can be and ofcourse Abi, Kate, Jeri and Han. Your e-malls
have kept me sane!
My mum once said she thought Thank-you speeches at the Oscars were daft but I
am sure would never forgive me for leaving her out, and how could I? I would
like to end this by thanking my Mum, Dad and Gerrard for everything and then
some. For despite their bewilderment that I would choose to spend my days
wading in mud they have been an endless source of love and support and above
all belief that I could do this! Thanks!
This work was made possible by the letters NER and C (Grant number NERC
GR3/11782).
IV