New England Healthcare Institute's Judy Ozbun to Receive Science Club for Girls Catalyst Award

 NEW ENGLAND HEALTHCARE INSTITUTE'S JUDY OZBUN TO RECEIVE SCIENCE CLUB FOR GIRLS CATALYST AWARD

Award Recognizes Dedication to Cultivating Future Scientists

CAMBRIDGE, MA (June 16, 2008) -- Judy Ozbun, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at the New England Healthcare Institute (NEHI), will receive the Science Club for Girls Catalyst Award, in recognition of her lifelong dedication to "cultivating the future generation of scientists," at the organization's first annual award ceremony and benefit on June 26.

Ozbun is a special advisor to the Science Club for Girls, which helps to increase the self-confidence and science literacy of K-12th grade girls belonging to groups that are underrepresented in the sciences, through free, after school programs that provide experiential learning, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.

Prior to joining NEHI, Ozbun was director of Community Affiars at Genzyme, the Cambridge-based biotechnology company, where during her 11 year tenure she managed a $2 million partnership with the Museum of Science for the development of biotechnology education programs; created a competitive annual internship for a member of the Science Club for Girls at the high school level; and established a unique award, in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Science and Engineering Fair, which honors students, their teachers and schools for their commitment to science and education.

 In addition to her work with the Science Club for Girls, Ozbun also chairs the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works to promote science education with a focus on biotechnology.

"What is unique about the Science Club for Girls is that it not only provides broad education in the STEM disciplines, but also enables experience, through mentorship, that helps students become better leaders and communicators," said Ozbun.  "It is vitalthat young people have the opportunity to connect with professionals currently working in their field of interest, through internships and mentoring offered by organizations like NEHI and Genzyme.  That interation ultimately empowers youth to explore, aspire to and pursue their dreams of being the scientists and leaders of tomorrow."

About NEHI

 THe New England Healthcare Institute is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming health care for the benefit of patients and their families.  In partnership with the members from all across the ehalth care system, NEHI conducts evidence-based research and stimulates policy change to improve the quality and the value of health care.  Together with this unparalleled network of committed health care leaders, NEHI brings an objective, collaborative and fresh voice to health policy.  For more informaiton, visit www.nehi.net .