Heman Bekele won the 2024 TIME Kid of the Year award for inventing a soap that could treat and prevent skin cancer.
Heman Bekele is a 15-year-old prodigy who invented SCTS (Skin Cancer Treating Soap), a soap designed to treat the early stages of skin cancer.
He gained significant attention when he won the 2024 TIME Kid of the Year and the 3M Young Scientist Challenge.
Highlights
- Heman Bekele’s parents, Wondwossen and Muluemebet, are originally from Ethiopia.
- He invented SCTS, a pioneering soap designed to treat the initial phases of skin cancer.
- His goal is to develop a more affordable and accessible alternative to current skin cancer treatments.
In addition, he is currently working in a lab at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, where he is developing his innovative soap.
Outside of his scientific work, he is an active student at Woodson High School, participating in the marching band.
Heman Bekele’s Parents Are The Driving Force Behind His Success
The young scientist was born to parents Wondwossen and Muluemebet in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, but now lives in Fairfax County, Virginia.
His father, Wondwossen, is a human resources specialist for the U.S. Agency for International Development, whereas Bekele’s mother, Muluemebet, is a dedicated teacher.
They immigrated from Ethiopia to the US when Heman was just 4 years old to provide their children with greater opportunities.
When he first expressed interest in chemistry at the age of seven, after receiving a chemistry set, his parents kept a close watch on him.
Years later, thanks to Bekele’s parents’ support and encouragement, he can now achieve groundbreaking innovations.
Additionally, he credits his father and mother for his success at such a young age.
Heman Bekele Sisters Hasset And Liya Proud Of His Revolutionary Invention
15-year-old, Heman Bekele grew up with his two sisters: Hasset and Liya.
He is the eldest, while Liya is seven years old as of 2024.
The young innovator shared with Time Magazine that his parents taught him and his sisters about the importance of sunscreen from a young age.
However, he revealed that he initially didn’t fully appreciate the advice.
After learning about the cancer-treating drug imiquimod, Bekele conceived the idea of creating SCTS.
From his initial interest in chemistry to being named TIME’s Kid of the Year for 2024, his family has been crucial in supporting his journey.
Additional Information
- Heman Bekele was named “America’s Top Young Scientist” after winning the 3M Young Scientist Challenge and a $25,000 cash prize.
- The 10th grader has attracted media attention and made appearances on talk shows.
- Heman is now conducting laboratory tests on mice to determine the effectiveness of the
SCTS.
