Meet the 14-Year-Old Innovator Behind a Soap That Could Change Skin Cancer Treatment
A teenager from Virginia has captured national attention for his groundbreaking invention—an innovative soap designed to help treat melanoma. Heman Bekele, a ninth grader from Annandale, emerged victorious in the prestigious 3M Young Scientist Challenge, earning the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist” for 2023.
A Young Mind with a Big Vision
Heman has always had a passion for science and innovation. “I’ve always been fascinated by biology and technology, and this competition gave me the opportunity to bring my ideas to life,” he shared in his award submission. His belief in the power of young minds to drive meaningful change is what fueled his journey.
Over the past four months, Heman competed against nine other talented finalists, all striving to develop creative solutions to pressing global issues. The competition, open to students in grades five through eight, encourages young scientists to think outside the box and create inventions that can positively impact society.
The Road to Victory
The final round of the competition took place on October 9-10 at 3M’s headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota. After rigorous evaluations, Heman was named the grand prize winner, earning not only the prestigious title but also a $25,000 cash prize.
Other outstanding participants included Shripriya Kalbhavi, a ninth-grader from San Jose, California, who secured second place for her innovative patch that enables self-administered medication without the need for pills or needles. Meanwhile, seventh-grader Sarah Wang from Andover, Massachusetts, placed third with her smart glove that detects epileptic seizures through specific hand movements.
While Shripriya and Sarah received $2,000 each for their contributions, finalists ranking fourth through tenth were also recognized, receiving $1,000 and a $500 gift card.
The Science Behind Heman’s Award-Winning Invention
Heman’s invention is a soap infused with specialized compounds aimed at treating melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer. Notably, his innovation is not only effective but also affordable—the cost to produce one bar is just 50 cents.
Looking ahead, Heman hopes to refine his formula and eventually establish a non-profit organization dedicated to making this treatment accessible to communities in need. His goal is to distribute the soap globally within the next five years, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to skin cancer treatment.
The Rising Concern of Skin Cancer in the U.S.
According to the National Cancer Institute, skin cancer cases have been steadily rising over the past few decades. In 2019, the incidence rate reached 24.1 cases per 100,000 people, a significant jump from 14.6 in 1992. The National Institutes of Health further estimates that 1.5 million new cases of skin cancer were diagnosed worldwide in 2020.
With statistics like these, innovations like Heman’s are more crucial than ever. His story not only highlights the power of young minds in scientific discovery but also serves as an inspiration for future innovators seeking to make a difference in the world.