The Deborah L. Nichols Prize for Anthropological Research was established in 2023 in memory of archaeologist Deborah Nichols, a Dartmouth professor from 1985-2022 whose mentorship, wisdom, and generosity inspired dozens of student research projects. Criteria for eligibility are detailed below:

1.) The award recognizes an exceptional scholarly contribution that advances knowledge in any anthropological subfield. These may include capstone projects, peer-reviewed manuscripts, presentations (oral or poster) at scientific conferences, published poems, films, artwork, or other deliverables deemed worthy of consideration by the nominating faculty member.

2.) Honors theses are not eligible for consideration and should instead be nominated for the Wesbrook Prize.

3.) Class papers are not eligible for consideration and should instead be nominated for the McKennan Prize.

4.) It is recommended, but not required, that the Nichols prize be awarded to a graduating senior Anthropology major or minor. More junior students or students pursuing other degrees will be considered and judged on the quality of the anthropological work nominated.

5.) Factors beyond the nominated product—including student GPA, character, and quality of work in other anthropology classes—may be considered when awarding this prize.

6.) Students who have conducted anthropological research in a reading course or demonstrated technical skills in a laboratory setting are only eligible if there is an anthropological product (defined above) that can be submitted for the faculty's consideration.

7.) If there are two or more worthy candidates, the award may be shared.