Heman Bekele, a 15-year-old Ethiopian immigrant from Annandale, Virginia, has been named as TIME’s 2024 Kid of the Year for his innovative creation of a soap that could revolutionize skin cancer treatment. Bekele’s groundbreaking work aims to provide a more accessible method for delivering medication to treat skin cancers, including melanoma.
In an announcement made by TIME, Bekele expressed his excitement about the potential impact of his invention. “It’s absolutely incredible to think that one day my bar of soap will be able to make a direct impact on somebody else’s life. That’s the reason I started this all in the first place,” he stated.
Bekele’s journey into the world of science began at a young age. After immigrating to the United States at the age of four, he was inspired by witnessing laborers in Ethiopia working under the harsh sun without proper skin protection. This experience ignited his curiosity about how he could help others facing similar challenges. “What is one thing that is an internationally impactful idea, something that everyone can use, regardless of socioeconomic class?” he asked himself. His answer was soap, a universal item that almost everyone uses.
In 2023, Bekele gained recognition as America’s Top Young Scientist after winning the Young Scientist Challenge organized by 3M and Discovery Education. He impressed judges with his innovative soap, earning a $25,000 cash prize. His mentor during the competition, 3M engineer Deborah Isabelle, praised his intelligence and compassion, stating, “Heman is an incredible, charismatic, curious, intelligent, articulate young man.”
Currently, Bekele is conducting research at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, where he collaborates with scientists to refine his soap formulation. Although there are still many stages to go before the product can be approved for use, Bekele remains optimistic about its potential to change lives.
In addition to his scientific pursuits, Bekele is a rising sophomore at Woodson High School, where he balances his studies with his passion for research. He is also involved in extracurricular activities, including the school marching band and basketball.
