Sam Barnett

Neuroscientist, Patent-Holder, Investment Expert, Teacher

"Our lives depend on our own decisions as well as those made by others. The Alliance is fueled by the optimism that teaching decision-making skills will empower students and, in turn, benefit our entire society. The Alliance is both an ambitious and humble bet on the next generation of decision makers."

Sam Barnett is an applied mathematician and neuroscientist, specializing in quantitative predictions of complex systems, such as financial markets, consumer decisions, and content engagement. He is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SBB Research Group and the Lead Investment Strategist for two billion-dollar corporations, including Medline Industries, Inc., America’s largest provider of medical supplies and solutions. 

Sam received his Ph.D. in neuroscience at Northwestern University studying human cognition in Dr. Moran Cerf’s laboratory and has patented a method for measuring brain engagement. Prior to Northwestern, he earned a B.S. with Honors in Applied & Computational Mathematics and Business Economics & Management from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). 

In 2010, during his sophomore year at Caltech, he created an algorithm for forecasting stock prices and soon began managing a $2 million investment account. Today, Sam and his team at SBB Research Group manage over $250 million. He has presented his research at numerous business organizations, conferences, universities, and at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., and his work has been published in academic journals and popular media outlets. 

Sam also has extensive teaching experience in both finance and neuroscience. Between his time at Northwestern and Caltech, Sam has taught students of nearly every degree type: B.S., M.S., MBA, Executive MBA, JD/LLM, and Ph.D. He was honored to be included in Forbes Magazine’s “30 Under 30 in Finance,” and he has frequently discussed his work with CNBC, CNN, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, and other publications.

In his free time, Sam pursues his lifelong passion for tennis and martial arts, and he has achieved an ATP world ranking of 801 and a black belt in Shotokan karate.