Better Grades Learning Center was founded in 2022 by Emma Thembani, BSc, Msc. The company was established with the vision to provide high quality and personal tutoring for learners who are struggling to meet their academic requirements at school, primarily in the Maths and Sciences fields.
Emma, a Scientist and an Educator, founded the company after building her successful career in Clinical Research. She holds degrees from the United States; A Bachelor's degree in Biology from George Mason University, Virginia, and a Master's degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Georgetown University, Washington D.C.
Emma has worked in Clinical Research across several countries throughout her career. In the United States, at Georgetown University, she participated in research projects focusing on HIV, cancer, autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma and neurodegenerative diseases. She later worked at Johns Hopkins University on projects examining chronic inflammation and frailty in older adults.
Her international experience includes research work at the University of Sydney in Australia, where she focused on osteoporosis, and HIV research at the University of Zimbabwe. In South Africa, she worked on vaccine development projects at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Drawing on her research background, Emma established her tutoring company, Better Grades Learning Center, to provide quality STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) education.
Emma and her team at Better Grades Learning Center teach Mathematics, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry across multiple curricula including IEB, CAPS and Cambridge GCSE, AS and A Level.
Emma is also currently teaching AS Level Physics and Mathematics at Endeavour Education, a Cambridge Study Center in Bryanston, Johannesburg.
Emma's experience in research across different countries and institutions informs her educational approach. She focuses on helping students develop strong foundations in science and mathematics while preparing them for various international academic standards. Her background allows her to bring practical scientific knowledge into the classroom and connect theoretical concepts with real-world applications.