Heman Bekele, a 15-year-old from Fairfax County, Virginia, has been named Story’s Person of the Year for 2024. His ground-breaking creation, a soap, that has the potential to treat and prevent various forms of skin cancer, has earned him this recognition.
Heman Bekele was described by TIME magazine as a” 15-year-old scientist who could change how we treat skin cancer.”
Heman’s voyage began when he conducted handmade science experiments using common chemicals at the age of 7. He was inspired to study chemical reactions more by a Christmas gift of a chemical set that included potassium hydroxide. He had a wish that there would always be an endless supply of energy, but a close contact with a fireplace taught him the value of care and supervision.
Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Heman emigrated to the United States with his home at age 4. His desire to find a way to protect people from skin deterioration came from his childhood experiences with laborers who worked in terrible sun. He became aware of the existence of imiquimod, a skin cancer treatment, and envisioned it as a crucial component in a soap that could be made visible and accessible everywhere. The 3M Young Scientist Challenge, which awarded him$ 25, 000 in 2023, caught his attention with his novel plan to give the medicine through shampoo.
Heman is now collaborating with Vito Rebecca, a atomic scientist at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, to build his skin-cancer-fighting soap. Heman can work on tests with mice to test the efficacy of his introduction as part of the agreement, which gives him the freedom to do study in a reputable lab.
Heman is enthusiastic about the effects of his work despite the challenges that lie ahead, including getting the soap patented and getting FDA approval. His dedication to science and innovation is visible in his speech to 8, 000 participants at the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Professionals.
Beyond his medical endeavors, Heman participates in the Woodson High School moving group, enjoys sports, reads avidly, and plays game. He attributes his victory to the encouragement of his family and coaches, especially his parents and Deborah Isabelle, a leader for the 3M Young Scientist Challenge.
Heman’s accomplishments at for a young age serve as an example of his conviction that creativity and innovation are unwavering. His information to aspiring scientists is:” Really keep creating. Stay creating fresh ideas to make our earth better and better.
