An Ethiopian-American teen turned a childhood observation into a groundbreaking invention
Heman Bekele’s journey from Ethiopia to America exemplifies the power of perseverance, ingenuity, and the boundless potential of young minds. At just four years old, Heman immigrated to the United States with his family. In 2023, he was named America’s Top Young Scientist by 3M. He was only 14 years old. His groundbreaking innovation change lives worldwide.
Heman developed a soap called Skin Cancer Treating Soap (SCTS). It is designed with compounds that reactivate the dendritic cells in human skin. These reactivated cells allow the skin to fight cancer cells, turning an everyday hygiene product into a potential lifesaver. “No matter where you live, I think you know and trust soap in comparison to other medicinal products,” he explained to The Washington Post. This accessibility was crucial to Heman’s vision. His goal was to create a product that helps as many people as possible.
The inspiration for Heman’s innovation came from his early years in Ethiopia. “He harked back to his time in Ethiopia and wondered how many of the people he’d seen working in the sun were aware of the risk of sun exposure,” said Praveena Somasundaram of The Washington Post. He saw the harsh effects of prolonged sun exposure on people’s skin. This experience planted the seed for his focus on skin cancer prevention. The ubiquity of soap made it the perfect vehicle for his idea. As Heman put it, “Everyone uses soap.”
Heman’s journey reflects the broader contributions immigrants make to innovation in America. A study by Max Posch, Jonathan Schulz, and Joseph Henrich highlighted that “many, if not most, innovations arise from the recombinations of existing ideas, approaches and techniques that come together through the connections among diverse minds.” Heman’s experiences in Ethiopia and his education in the U.S. provided the perfect foundation for innovative thinking.
Working with a mentor from 3M, Heman spent months refining his concept and developing a prototype of the soap. Using computer modeling, he created a formula that costs just under $10 to produce. His plans are ambitious. He seeks FDA approval for the soap. He is pursuing a five-year roadmap. He also plans to eventually start a nonprofit organization to expand its reach. The soap doesn’t directly fight cancer. Instead, it trains the skin’s own cells to fight it. This makes it a revolutionary approach to skin cancer prevention.
Heman’s success is a testament to his brilliance. It is also a shining example of the unique contributions that immigrant communities bring to America. His story reminds us of the importance of diversity. It fuels innovation. The ideas and experiences of immigrants are vital to addressing global challenges. As Heman Bekele develops his invention, he works toward his goals. He stands as an inspiring symbol of what can be achieved when young minds are empowered to think big. He inspires others to dream even bigger.
Source:
- https://youtu.be/ugxW77Wk3P8?si=mdKY90MTAzkdeiZ1
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/stuartanderson/2023/12/14/the-most-inspiring-immigration-stories-of-2023/
- https://wired.me/science/health/this-14-year-old-made-soap-that-fights-skin-cancer/
- https://chatgpt.com/c/67981be6-99c4-800e-a221-d858899dccee
- https://speechgen.io/
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