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Heman Bekele, a 15-year-old from Fairfax County, Virginia, has been named TIME’s Kid of the Year for 2024. This recognition comes as a result of his groundbreaking invention: a soap that could potentially treat and prevent multiple forms of skin cancer.
The TIME magazine featured Heman Bekele as a “15 year old scientist who could change how we treat Skin Cancer.”
Heman’s journey began at the age of 7 when he conducted homemade science experiments using household chemicals.A Christmas gift of a chemistry set, which included sodium hydroxide, inspired him to explore chemical reactions further. This interest led him to dream of creating an unlimited energy supply, but a close call with a fire taught him the importance of caution and oversight.
Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Heman emigrated to the United States with his family at age 4. His childhood memories of laborers working under the harsh sun inspired him to find a way to protect people from skin damage. He learned about imiquimod, a drug that fights skin cancer, and envisioned it as a key ingredient in a soap that could be affordable and accessible worldwide. His innovative idea of using lipid-based nanoparticles to deliver the drug through soap caught the attention of the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, which awarded him $25,000 in 2023.
Heman is currently collaborating with Vito Rebecca, a molecular biologist at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, to develop his skin-cancer-fighting soap. The partnership allows Heman to conduct research in a professional lab, working on experiments with mice to test the efficacy of his invention.
Despite the challenges ahead, including patenting the soap and securing FDA approval, Heman remains optimistic about the impact of his work. His commitment to science and innovation is evident in his presentation at the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists, where he spoke before 8,000 attendees.
Beyond his scientific endeavors, Heman participates in the Woodson High School marching band, enjoys basketball, reads voraciously, and plays chess. He attributes his success to the support of his family and mentors, particularly his parents and Deborah Isabelle, his mentor from the 3M Young Scientist Challenge.
Heman’s achievements at such a young age exemplify his belief that innovation and creativity are boundless. His message to aspiring inventors is: “Just keep inventing. Keep thinking of new ways to improve our world and keep making it a better place.”
The TIME magazine featured Heman Bekele as a “15 year old scientist who could change how we treat Skin Cancer.”
Heman’s journey began at the age of 7 when he conducted homemade science experiments using household chemicals.A Christmas gift of a chemistry set, which included sodium hydroxide, inspired him to explore chemical reactions further. This interest led him to dream of creating an unlimited energy supply, but a close call with a fire taught him the importance of caution and oversight.
Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Heman emigrated to the United States with his family at age 4. His childhood memories of laborers working under the harsh sun inspired him to find a way to protect people from skin damage. He learned about imiquimod, a drug that fights skin cancer, and envisioned it as a key ingredient in a soap that could be affordable and accessible worldwide. His innovative idea of using lipid-based nanoparticles to deliver the drug through soap caught the attention of the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, which awarded him $25,000 in 2023.
Heman is currently collaborating with Vito Rebecca, a molecular biologist at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, to develop his skin-cancer-fighting soap. The partnership allows Heman to conduct research in a professional lab, working on experiments with mice to test the efficacy of his invention.
Despite the challenges ahead, including patenting the soap and securing FDA approval, Heman remains optimistic about the impact of his work. His commitment to science and innovation is evident in his presentation at the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists, where he spoke before 8,000 attendees.
Beyond his scientific endeavors, Heman participates in the Woodson High School marching band, enjoys basketball, reads voraciously, and plays chess. He attributes his success to the support of his family and mentors, particularly his parents and Deborah Isabelle, his mentor from the 3M Young Scientist Challenge.
Heman’s achievements at such a young age exemplify his belief that innovation and creativity are boundless. His message to aspiring inventors is: “Just keep inventing. Keep thinking of new ways to improve our world and keep making it a better place.”
