Anuj K. Shah studies the psychology that arises from facing resource scarcity. In one line of work, he studies how being short on money and time affects decision-making. In another line of work, he studies how behavioral science can help shape interventions to reduce crime and violence. 

His research has appeared in Science, Psychological Science, and Psychological Bulletin, among other journals. He is also a member of the Scientific Advisory Board at ideas42, a social science research and development laboratory which uses scientific insights to design innovative policies and products.

Shah earned his Ph.D. in psychology from Princeton University, where he received teaching awards from the psychology department and the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.