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 and ameliorate this situation, my project proposes two main phases. First, in vitro studies on the effect of synthetic lipid layers in tear film evaporation will provide a basis for understanding how monolayers retard evaporation. Second, in vivo studies of lipid-covered tear films will tell us what properties are most important and bring up unforeseen complexities the human eye will present. See lab rules.