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Who is Heman Bekele? Virginia boy, 14, named America's Top Young Scientist for developing skin cancer-treating soap
Heman Bekele reportedly made the affordable soap by infusing medicinal soap with three ingredients
A 14-year-old boy has been named America's Top Young Scientist for developing a bar of soap that treats skin cancer. A ninth grader at W.T. Woodson High School in Annandale, Virginia, Heman Bekele won after competing with nine other finalists in the 2023 3M Young Scientists Challenge. He won the $25,000 grand prize.
Bekele reportedly made the affordable soap by infusing medicinal soap with three ingredients. The ingredients reactivate dendritic cells that generate an immune response to fight the deadly disease. Each bar of soap costs just $0.50, the Daily Mail reported.
Who is Heman Bekele?
Bekele’s LinkedIn bio reads, “Freshman attending Woodson High School. Self-taught programmer- fluent in Python, Lua, JavaScript, and C. Passionate about medicine, programming, and making an impact. Eager for opportunities in research and internships in STEM & computer science.”
“Skin cancer is mostly found in people living in developing countries,” Bekele told Fairfax County Public Schools. “But the average price for an operation is $40,000.”
He added, “I was devastated by the idea of people choosing between treatment and putting food on the table for their families. There are so many preventable deaths.”
Bekele went on to study skin cancer and learn about dendritic cells. The video he submitted for the competition explains that the three ingredients – salicylic acid, glycolic acid and tretinoin – are known to be keratolytic agents that break down the outer layers of the skin.
Bekele calls the product skin cancer-treating soap or SCTS. He says that following a prescription, the product can be applied to the skin every couple of days. Bekele has planned to put the prize money toward securing a patent and college.
‘Alongside my professional success, I hope to have a fulfilling personal life’
Bekele wishes to become an electrical engineer in the future. “I envision myself leading a team of professionals in the development of innovative electrical systems that will shape the future of technology,” he said. “Alongside my professional success, I hope to have a fulfilling personal life with a loving family and a strong network of friends.”
He added, “I also hope to have given back to my community by mentoring aspiring engineers and supporting initiatives that promote STEM education. Ultimately, in 15 years, I hope to have positively impacted the world through my work and personal endeavors.”
