Resolving the spectral properties of extremely star-forming galaxies at z=0.1

In this thesis I explore the properties of rare, nearby galaxies with extreme levels of star-formation, which are far more common in the distant universe. Due to the finite speed of light, very distant galaxies exist at an earlier epoch in the universe and, thus, they represent the progenitors of the current galaxy population. Studies of nearby analogs, such as the work presented here, provide detailed tests of galaxy formation models at far greater fidelity than is possible using observations of very distant galaxies.