According to the American Cancer Society, about 5.4 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the US. Fourteen-year-old Heman Bekele is on a mission to provide help for these individuals. As a result of developing a soap to treat Skin Cancer, the W.T. Woodson High School ninth grader has been named America’s Top Young Scientist.
The Annandale, Va. resident won the 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge, setting himself apart from his competitors with his compound-based creation, a Skin Cancer Treating Soap (SCTS). In addition to the prestigious title, as the winner of the competition, Bekele also took home a $25,000 cash prize.
According to a recent press release, as a part of the four-month competition process, finalists pair with 3M scientists who mentor the students over the course of the competition. The goal of the mentorship is to bring the students dream from vision to an actual prototype. As a part of the process, students are judged during the competition on ingenuity, innovative thinking, STEM principles application, demonstration of passion and research, presentation skills and ability to inspire others.
“The need for scientists and innovators to develop solutions for the world’s biggest challenges has never been greater. This year’s Young Scientist Challenge finalists have demonstrated the skills required to reimagine what’s possible—intelligence, curiosity, collaboration, and resilience,” said John Banovetz, 3M executive vice president, chief technology officer and environmental responsibility in the release. “The magnitude and complexity of the issues these young minds are working to solve is inspiring. Congratulations to this year’s finalists—we can’t wait to see what you do next!”
Skin cancer treatments cost, on average annually, $8.1 billion. This was the inspiration behind Bekele’s treatment innovation. His final product cost came out to $0.50 per bar of soap, a more affordable option to traditional treatments.
Over the next five years, this future electrical engineer hopes to create a nonprofit in order to distribute his low-cost option to low-income communities.
Photo Credit(s)/Featured Image: PR Newswire
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