Heman Bekele, a fifteen-year-old from Fairfax County, Virginia, has been recognized as TIME’s Kid of the Year for 2024 for his groundbreaking invention: a soap that has the potential to cure and stop different forms of skin cancer. His significant accomplishment has led to him receiving extensive praise for his role in combating the illness.
Interest began when he was seven years old.
TIME magazine recently featured Heman Bekele as a “15-year-old scientist ready to transform the way we think about treating skin cancer.” Heman’s interest in science was ignited at the young age of seven, when he started to carry out DIY experiments with everyday household chemicals. Starting as a childhood curiosity, their interest quickly turned into a strong fascination, especially upon receiving a chemistry set for Christmas. Sodium hydroxide stood out to him among the items in the kit, sparking his curiosity to explore chemical reactions further.
The early years of Heman Bekele
His dreams of inventing an infinite energy source were inspired by this initial exploration. Nonetheless, a close call with a fire acted as an important reminder about the importance of thorough supervision in scientific projects. Heman’s journey, though, started miles away from Fairfax County’s research facilities. He was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and relocated to the United States with his family at the age of four. His recollections of his young years, especially the clear pictures of workers working under the harsh Ethiopian sun, remained ingrained in his memory. These memories served as a strong driving force, inspiring him to create a solution for shielding people from the harmful effects of extended sun exposure.
Heman Bekele’s path in the field of scientific advancement changed significantly when he found imiquimod, a medication recognized for its ability to fight against skin cancer. He imagined incorporating the potent medication into a soap that would be cost-effective and reachable for individuals worldwide. This idea inspired him to develop the innovative concept of utilising lipid-based nanoparticles for delivering imiquimod through soap, guaranteeing efficient skin penetration of the treatment.
His innovative approach didn’t go unnoticed. In 2023, Heman’s innovative project caught the interest of the esteemed 3M Young Scientist Challenge, winning him a $25,000 award for his forward-looking idea. This milestone was important in his efforts to increase the accessibility of skin cancer treatment.
Heman’s future plans
Presently, Heman is elevating his work by teaming up with Vito Rebecca, a molecular biologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. This collaboration allows Heman to carry out research in a lab environment, where he is testing his skin-cancer-fighting soap on mice to determine its efficacy. Collaborating with experienced professionals, Heman enhances his creation and moves it closer to being a practical solution for individuals vulnerable to skin cancer, demonstrating his dedication to converting scientific expertise into life-saving solutions.
Despite encountering many obstacles, including the need to secure a patent for his soap and FDA approval, Heman Bekele remains optimistic and committed to the potential impact of his efforts. He demonstrated his strong commitment to science and innovation when he spoke at the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists in front of an audience of 8,000.
Much more than just a scientist
However, Heman’s influence goes beyond just the laboratory. He actively participates in the Woodson High School marching band, enjoys playing basketball, reading books, and excels at playing chess. He attributes a large part of his achievements to the constant encouragement from his family and mentors, particularly his parents and Deborah Isabelle from the 3M Young Scientist Challenge.
Heman’s belief that creativity and innovation have no boundaries is exemplified by his extraordinary achievements at a young age. For those who aim to replicate his success, his guidance is straightforward: “Keep inventing. Continuously think of new ways to improve our world and never stop striving to make it a better place.”
