Colin Cerretani Graduate Student, Ph.D. Program Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. B.S. Chemical Engineering, 2007 Research Interest: Effects of thin films on evaporation of water Lipid spreading over aqueous substrates	”Yes, my name used to be Courtney, until I got that operation…” ccerretani@berkeley.edu
Research Summary: Engineering Lipid Barriers to Tear-Film Evaporation The human tear film is composed of three layers: an inner, mucous layer; a substantial middle aqueous layer; and an outer lipid layer. The outer lipid layer plays an important role in preventing evaporation of the aqueous layer so that the eye remains properly hydrated. When the lipid layer is compromised – usually from insufficient lipid production – the aqueous tear film can evaporate at abnormally high rates and result in a condition known as dry eye. To help understand this situation, my project proposes two main phases. First, in vitro studies will provide a basis for understanding how the tear film stabilizes thin lipid layers and how those layers retard evaporation. Second, in vivo evaporation studies on human tear films will yield evaporation rates and tear film thicknesses and provide an opportunity to test engineered lipid layers. See lab rules.