At just 14, Heman Bekele’s groundbreaking innovations in [field of innovation] led him to being named Time’s 2024 Kid of the Year.
Heman Bekele has been named TIME’s 2024 Kid of the Year, a remarkable accolade for this budding scientist from Woodson High School in Fairfax County, Virginia. At just 15 years old, Heman has already made significant strides in the field of chemistry, particularly with his groundbreaking invention—a soap that holds the potential to treat and prevent various forms of skin cancer.
From a young age, Heman demonstrated a keen interest in chemistry. This passion was ignited when he received a chemistry set from his parents at the age of seven. Since then, Heman has been conducting experiments, starting with common household items like dish soap and laundry detergent, and progressing to more complex chemical reactions. His curiosity and commitment led him to discover that a combination of aluminum and sodium hydroxide produces significant heat, sparking thoughts about solutions for energy creation.
However, it was his determination to make a tangible impact on people’s lives that truly set him apart. Inspired by reading about imiquimod, a drug used to fight skin cancer, Heman envisioned a more accessible and affordable delivery system—a bar of soap. Unlike traditional treatments that can cost upwards of $40,000, this innovative soap could potentially bring lifesaving medication to people in the earliest stages of skin cancer.
In 2023, Heman entered the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, where he presented his idea to a panel of judges. His ingenuity and vision earned him the top prize of $25,000, a sum that he plans to use to further his research. Currently, Heman is honing his skills and working on his project at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, dedicating his summer to making his dream a reality.
Heman attributes much of his success to his family, especially his mother, Muluemebet, a teacher, and his father, Wondwossen, a human-resources specialist. Their sacrifices and commitment to education have inspired Heman to pursue the improbable and strive for excellence.
Heman Bekele’s story is one of passion, innovation, and determination. His work not only holds the promise of revolutionizing skin cancer treatment but also serves as an inspiring reminder of the impact that one young mind can have on the world.
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