Meet America’s youngest scientist who has developed a soap that cures skin cancer. Heman Bekele, a 15-year-old boy from Virginia, invented an affordable and safe soap using cancer-fighting chemicals to treat melanoma. 

15-year-old Heman Bekele from Anatole, Virginia, created a unique soap that has the potential to treat skin cancer more effectively, making it easier for people to access essential medication. His invention earned him the title of “2024 Kid of the Year” from Time magazine and Time for Kids. Additionally, he won a major science competition last year, securing a $25,000 prize for his groundbreaking work. Heman expressed his hope that his soap will ultimately have a significant impact on people’s lives. 

Who is Heman Bekele? 

Heman Bekele is a 15-year-old from Fairfax County, Virginia, who developed a special soap that can help combat skin cancer. He was inspired by his childhood memories in Ethiopia and utilized tiny particles to deliver a medicine that treats cancer. As a result, he was named Time’s Kid of the Year for 2024. 

The parents of Heman Bekele – 

Heman Bekele‘s mother Muluemebe is a teacher, and his father Wondwossen is a human resources specialist for the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Time’s Kid of The Year: – Heman Bekele

15-year-old Heman is making waves in the scientific community while engaging in various extracurricular activities. He’s a member of the Woods High School marching band, playing the flute and trombone. Besides music, Herman enjoys playing basketball, reading thrillers, fantasy novels, and classic literature like “The Great Gatsby.” He also finds relaxation in playing chess.

Heman attributes his success to his supportive family. His mother, Alembert, is a dedicated teacher, while his father, Bondwomen, works as a human resources specialist. Their journey from a foreign country to provide better educational opportunities for their son instilled in him a love for learning and the courage to pursue ambitious goals. Herman is mentored by Deborah Isabelle from 3M, who has helped him navigate challenges, such as setbacks in his projects like when his soap-making didn’t go as planned.

Heman‘s goal is to develop a health-giving soap to aid in the treatment of early-stage cancers, particularly Stage 0. He aims to contribute to treatments that significantly impact patients’ lives. Despite his impressive accomplishments, Herman remains humble, saying, “Anybody could do what I did. I just came up with an idea, worked towards it, and brought it to life.“

In an era where youth can profoundly impact their communities, Heman serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance, creativity, and the importance of mentorship. With a commitment to learning and innovating, he is undoubtedly one to watch in the years ahead.