At just 15 years old, Heman Bekele is making headlines with an invention that could revolutionize the way we treat skin cancer. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world—a story that resonates far beyond his hometown of Fairfax, Virginia, where he now lives.
From Ethiopia to the United States: A Journey of Inspiration
Bekele’s journey began in Ethiopia, where he spent the first few years of his life before moving to the United States at the age of four. His early memories of Ethiopia, where the harsh sun took its toll on people’s skin, planted the seeds of curiosity that would later bloom into a groundbreaking scientific endeavor. The sun’s relentless impact on those who often worked without proper protection left a lasting impression on Bekele. This early observation laid the foundation for his future work in skin cancer research.
After settling in the United States, Bekele’s interest in science was further ignited when he received a chemistry set as a Christmas gift. Among the various chemicals in the set, sodium hydroxide particularly caught his attention. This initial spark of interest would grow into a full-blown passion for chemistry and, more specifically, for understanding the effects of ultraviolet radiation on human skin.
“When I was younger, I didn’t think much of it, but when I came to America, I realized what a big problem the sun and ultraviolet radiation is when you’re exposed to it for a long time,” Bekele explained in an interview with Time Magazine. His growing awareness of the dangers posed by prolonged sun exposure fueled his desire to find a solution—one that could help people from all walks of life, regardless of their socio-economic status.
The Birth of an Idea: Cancer-Fighting Soap
Bekele’s innovative spirit led him to ask a simple yet profound question: What if there was a way to deliver cancer-fighting drugs through something as common as soap? His research led him to learn about imiquimod, a drug already approved for treating certain forms of skin cancer. He wondered if it could be made more accessible to those who needed it most.
“Almost everyone uses soap and water for cleaning. So soap would probably be the best option,” Bekele reasoned. With this idea in mind, he set out to create a soap that could deliver imiquimod via lipid nanoparticles—tiny particles that could penetrate the skin and activate the body’s immune cells to fight cancer.
Bekele’s dedication and innovative approach paid off when he entered the 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge, a prestigious competition that encourages young minds to think of unique ways to solve everyday problems. Competing against some of the brightest young scientists in the United States, Bekele’s cancer-fighting soap stood out, earning him the grand prize.
Deborah Isabelle, Bekele’s 3M mentor, played a crucial role in helping him refine his invention during the finalist competition. “Heman is kind, intelligent, focused, inspiring, and energetic. He’s going to continue to inspire other young people to realize that science can make a positive difference,” Isabelle said, praising Bekele’s work ethic and determination.
A Vision for the Future
Bekele’s journey is far from over. Currently a student at Woodson High School in Fairfax County, Virginia, he continues to conduct his research at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore. His passion for skin cancer research drives him to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
“I’m really passionate about skin cancer research,” Bekele said. “Whether it’s my own research or what’s happening in the field.” His commitment to making his cancer-fighting soap affordable and accessible to all is a testament to his desire to create a lasting impact on the world.
A Global Inspiration
Heman Bekele’s story is one that resonates not only in the United States but also in Jamaica and beyond. His work serves as a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to innovation, and that with the right combination of curiosity, determination, and support, young people can achieve extraordinary things.
In a world where access to healthcare and treatment can be limited by geography and socio-economic status, Bekele’s vision of making cancer treatment as accessible as soap is both revolutionary and inspiring. His story encourages us all to think creatively about how we can use our skills and knowledge to make a difference in the lives of others.
As we celebrate Bekele’s achievements, we are reminded of the potential that exists within each of us to bring about positive change. Whether in Jamaica, Ethiopia, or any other corner of the world, Bekele’s journey shows that the path to innovation is paved with curiosity, passion, and a deep desire to help others.