Fairfax, Virginia – Heman Bekele, a 15-year-old from Fairfax County, Virginia, has been named TIME’s Kid of the Year for 2024. The young scientist is being recognized for his groundbreaking work on developing a soap that could potentially treat and prevent multiple forms of skin cancer.
Bekele’s journey began with a childhood fascination with chemistry. What started as innocent experiments with household chemicals evolved into a serious pursuit when he received a chemistry set as a gift. His early attempts to create a heat-generating substance led to a near-disaster, but also ignited a spark of ambition.
Driven by a desire to make a difference, Bekele focused his attention on skin cancer, a prevalent issue, particularly among outdoor workers. Inspired by the potential of imiquimod, a drug used to treat certain skin cancers, he conceived the idea of incorporating it into a soap for wider accessibility and affordability.
Overcoming numerous challenges, including finding a way to prevent the drug from being washed away, Bekele successfully developed a lipid-based nanoparticle to deliver the medication to the skin. His innovative approach earned him the top prize in the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, propelling him into the spotlight.
Currently, Bekele is collaborating with scientists at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health to conduct research on mice. While the path to a marketable product is still long, involving rigorous testing and regulatory approvals, the young scientist’s determination and passion are evident.
Beyond his scientific endeavors, Bekele is a well-rounded teenager involved in school activities like the marching band and basketball. His parents, both immigrants from Ethiopia, have been instrumental in fostering his love of learning and his desire to make a positive impact on the world.
