Anne-Catherine Bedard
Anne-Catherine Bédard is a highly accomplished research scientist and founder of Labcoat & Leggings, dedicated to advancing the frontiers of chemistry while promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2015, followed by a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at MIT in 2018. With a deep passion for solving complex problems, Anne-Catherine specializes in organic chemistry, reaction optimization, catalyst discovery, polymer chemistry, high-throughput research, and the application of artificial intelligence to synthetic challenges.
Her career in research spans multiple roles at Dow, where she has contributed as Research Scientist, driving innovation in chemical science and development. Beyond her professional achievements, Anne-Catherine is an avid athlete, having competed in downhill skiing from ages 5 to 19 and mountain biking competitively from 16 to 24, a testament to her discipline, perseverance, and drive for excellence.
Anne-Catherine combines her scientific expertise with entrepreneurial vision through Labcoat & Leggings, an artistic-based platform dedicated to empowerment, personal growth, and creativity. Her work continues to inspire the next generation, reflecting her belief in both rigorous research and the importance of mentorship, personal growth, and fostering inclusive environments.
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Université de Montréal- Ph.D.
• Pierre and Marie Curie University
• University of Ottawa
• ACS Early Career Investigator Award
• Promotion of Diversity in Chemistry and Related Sciences
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
• Post-Doctoral Fellowshi
• American Chemical Society
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience and adaptability, balancing a fulfilling career with being a wife of 10 years and a mom to two young daughters.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to prioritize connecting and networking with people, building partnerships, and actively engaging with and listening to others and their ideas.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to actively network, seek out conversations with others, and learn from their experiences and insights.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field right now is increasing the inclusion and representation of women.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are kindness, family, and community—I love teaching my daughters to ski, going on family bike rides, and embracing art and exercise.