Shirley P. Sichel
 
Shirley P. Sichel was born in San Francisco, California.  She graduated from San Jose Sate University, receiving a degree in dietetics, followed by a one-year internship.  In a career spanning more than 30 years she has worked in several hospitals, including Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, the U.S. Veterans Hospital in Fresno, and the Permanente Medical Group in San Francisco, and as a private consulting dietitian at psychiatric hospitals and nursing homes.
 
In 1995, she created the Sichel Family Endowment for research at the Conservation and Research Center in Front Royal, Virginia, part of Washington, D.C.’s National Zoo.  The Center advances knowledge of conservation worldwide, and has been instrumental in advancing research aimed at saving endangered species.

In May of 1998, she was honored with the James Smithson Founder’s Medal, and in 1999 became an Endowed Life Member of the James Smithson Society. The James Smithson Society was established in 1976 as the Smithsonian’s premier membership program for individuals who best understand and support the Institution’s work, and who appreciate a more personal relationship with the Smithsonian.

In 2001, Shirley established the Chipper Sichel Endowment at the School of Veterinary Medicine, in memory of her beloved dog Chipper. The Endowment supports research in neurologic and endocrinologic disorders in aged dogs.  
 
She continues to work with the Conservation and Research Center, and serves on the Advisory Board of the National Zoo.  She is also involved with the Marin Humane Society in Novato, California, funding their Pet Partnership Program and the Marine Mammal Center based in Sausalito.