At just 14 years old, He man Bekele emerged as the victor of the 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge,1 among nine other finalists with his innovative creation known as the Skin Cancer Treating Soap (SCTS). In2 of his exceptional achievement, this ninth-grade talent is set to receive a substantial cash award of $25,000.
Bekele's revolutionary concept3 through a two-minute video, centers on the development of a soap that is not only4 , priced at less than $10 per bar, but also has the potential to reactivate dendritic cells — the body's natural 5 of the skin — to cope with skin cancer.
Reflecting on his presentation and inspiration, Bekele shared that his childhood in Ethiopia played a significant 6 in shaping his innovative thinking. Having witnessed people work7 under the scorching sun, he couldn't help but8 how many were aware of the risks associated with long-term sun9 .
"I wanted to make my idea not only scientifically exceptional but also accessible to a broad audience," Bekele expressed during an interview with The Washington Post. To10 him realize his ambitious plans, he received invaluable advice from Deborah Isabelle, a product engineering specialist at 3M, who11 him with other scientists. Ultimately, the path forward for Bekele's creation includes obtaining FDA approval.
During his presentation at the 3M global headquarters in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Bekele 12 expressed his vision of turning the soap into a "symbol of hope, accessibility, and a world where skin cancer treatment is within 13 for all."
Over the coming five years, Bekele is determined to perfect his invention and14 a nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering his innovative creation to poor communities, offering hope and a practical solution in the15 against skin cancer.
