equilibrium problems with equilibrium constraints - Convex ...

Acknowledgments
Many Ph.D. students said that their thesis would not be completed if not for their
thesis advisors. What is even more true for me is that my thesis would not even
be started if not for my thesis advisor, Professor Richard W. Cottle. When I first
came to Stanford, all I knew about optimization was from an undergraduate linear
programming course. I did not have much research or any teaching experience,
either. Professor Cottle did not mind to work with a rookie like me. He greatly
encouraged me to transfer from the Master to the Ph.D. program after I took
two Ph.D.-level courses with him (one of which being the famous two-person class
on linear complementarity problems). Over the years, he patiently taught me
everything I know, not only on optimization theory, but also the right attitude on
conducting research and toward life. He diligently and carefully read my weekly
research reports for almost two years, and after that, read each of my three working
papers uncountably many times. His critical thinking and invaluable guidance
helped me improve the quality of my research. His support of my discussions and
collaboration with other researchers has been tremendous. My work has been
constantly motivated by one goal: to achieve the high standards he has set for
me, and it will continue to be so in my future academic career. For everything
that they have done for me during my years at Stanford, I am deeply indebted to
him and his wife, Sue Cottle.
I would like to express my gratitude to Professor Michael A. Saunders, who
always makes his time for me from his busy schedule. His exceptionally careful
readings of my papers and this thesis and his detailed comments greatly helped
to polish my work. I will always remember his cheerful spirit and will miss his
companionship in the late night hours, even during the Christmas and New Year
holidays!
I thank Professor Hung-Po Chao for serving on my oral and reading committee.
His expertise on electric power industry and his insights on economic models in
general provided a different perspective on my research. I am also grateful for the
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