About Us

FOUNDER

Paul has had a lifelong passion for mathematics and science, and the opportunities they bring. He graduated from Washington University with degrees in physics and mathematics, and later pursued graduate studies at MIT in astrophysics and at Northeastern in representation theory. This rigorous foundation led to a successful career as an investor and as President of Weiss Asset Management. Having spent much of his childhood under the poverty line in rural Missouri, Paul understands the challenges that stand between disadvantaged kids and the frontiers of math and science. Throughout his career, Paul has remained actively engaged in math education, teaching at middle and high school levels, founding math circles, and instructing at summer camps. He has also served on the boards of multiple organizations that support young talent in mathematics including BEAM, PROMYS, National Math Stars and National Math Camps. As the President of Polynera Fund, Paul works to improve both societal prosperity and individual mobility by providing opportunities to mathematically exceptional kids.

SENIOR ADVISOR

Jean is a Senior Advisor at the Polynera Fund and brings to her work over 15 years of experience in management consulting, strategy and operations in the education sector. Her expertise is in advising leaders at K-12 schools/districts, higher education institutions, nonprofits, and foundations to develop organizational strategies that best align with their desired outcomes. In her role at Polynera, Jean helps set the foundation’s strategy for grantmaking, identifies funding opportunities, and supports nonprofits to achieve their goals. Having immigrated to the U.S. in 5th grade for a better education, she firmly believes in the life-changing power of education to unlock an individual's potential and options. Jean has always loved math but was unfortunately told that “girls aren’t good at math,” so she gets excited about Polynera’s mission to help students realize their full potential in math and science.

Jean received her Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Mathematics at Yale University. In addition to her role at Polynera, Jean is the Math Talent Programs Lead at the Carina Initiatives and an independent consultant to nonprofits and foundations. Jean lives in Boston with her husband Matt and their many house plants.

DIRECTOR

Allie serves as Director at Polynera, spearheading investment and grantmaking execution, driving overall operations and managing partnership relationships. Formerly a Managing Director at Proficio Capital Partners, Allie crafted bespoke family office solutions, recognizing that she was drawn to the mission-driven organizations of her clients. Drawing from roles at Weiss Asset Management and Credit Suisse, she brings a wealth of experience in managing institutional client connections.

She is passionate about helping underprivileged kids reach their full potential and is dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for all. Allie lives in Cape Elizabeth, Maine with her husband and two young daughters. Outside of work, Allie can be found searching for the next best bakery or running many long miles along the Maine coast.

SENIOR ADVISOR

Sam Mar serves as a Senior Advisor on policy at the Polynera Fund, bringing extensive experience in policy strategy, advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration. Prior to joining Polynera, Sam was Executive Vice President at Arnold Ventures, where he led the organization's advocacy, grant-making, communications, and government affairs across diverse initiatives, including climate and clean energy, election reform, immigration, and organ donation. Before that, he served as CEO of the Action Now Initiative, a political advocacy organization founded by Laura and John Arnold. Sam began his career in the private sector, spending a decade in consulting, banking, investment management, and product innovation.

In addition to his work with Polynera, Sam is a member of the Board at Unite America, ClearPath, and Bipartisan Climate Action. He is also an independent consultant to philanthropists and foundations. Sam is a graduate of the University of Texas and IE Business School.

When he is not working or struggling to keep his small children alive, Sam enjoys listening to country music, drinking bourbon, and roasting his own coffee.