Dr. Aneesh Kumar serves as an Associate Professor of Psychology at the Department of Psychology, CHRIST University in Bengaluru. His research interests encompass socio-emotional development, childhood experiences, play, positive parenting, and positive school mental health. Currently, Dr. Kumar is actively engaged in research projects, including one focused on the cross-cultural development of gratitude in collaboration with the University of Virginia, USA, supported by a grant from the Templeton Foundation. Additionally, he has secured a grant from the United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) - Research England for a collaborative initiative with Buckinghamshire New University. This project aims to conduct a needs analysis of Positive Psychology Skills among mental health professionals in the UK and India.

Some of Dr. Kumar's completed research projects involve the integration of character strengths into early school curricula, the assessment of student mental health through a positive schooling program, and a collaboration with Miami University on a United States-India Education Foundation project. This project aimed to develop a training model for culturally competent and evidence-based mental health care in diverse societies. Dr. Kumar is associated with Strengths Gym in the UK, the International Play Association, and represents India at the International Committee on Undergraduate Psychology Outcomes (ICUPO). He has a track record of publishing and presenting papers in various national and international forums.

Dr. Kumar and his colleagues, both nationally and internationally, focus on key areas of school mental health. They have initiated a movement known as the Wellbeing Van, with the goal of generating evidence and advocating for positive school mental health.

Collaborations and Affiliations