Chantal Bergeron, Ph.D

Name:

Chantal Bergeron, Ph.D

Title:

Director of Research

Explain a typical day in your job.

Coffee and e-mail starts my day. The rest of the day will vary depending on the time of year. Establishing research projects; finding collaborators, new suppliers, and new botanicals ingredients; budgeting; attending professional meetings; filing patents; solving problems with natural solutions — these are the different things that fill my day. I am also involved in category development, where our product ideas emerge. But the moment of the day that I prefer is when I can escape from my office and go to the lab to try new product ideas or solutions to problem. It is called feasibility studies but for me it is more like play time.

What attracted you to Tom's of Maine?

I did my B.SC. in Plant Sciences and my Ph.D in phytochemistry with a focus on isolating active principles from medicinal plants from Canada and Africa. When I moved to Maine, Tom's of Maine offered me this unique opportunity to work part-time on a very interesting research project involving my knowledge of botanicals. I had newborn baby twins at the time and the part-time was more than welcome. Tom was very flexible and understood the challenges in working and having a family. This made a huge difference for me and explains why I am still here after eight years. For me, being able to create products based on natural efficacy is my contribution for a greener and more sustainable world.

What is one word you'd use to describe Tom's?

True.

What's your favorite Tom's product and why?

The antiplaque flat floss. The natural waxes give a unique clean feeling. You have to try it to appreciate it! Every time I go to the dentist I try some samples but I still haven't found a better floss.