Skin cancer is the most frequent cancer in the United States, and it is estimated that roughly 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the United States every day. It has an average annual treatment cost of $8.1 billion, and it is in response to this disadvantage that Heman Bekele, a ninth grader at W.T. Woodson High School in Annandale, devised a cheap compound-based bar of soap meant to treat skin cancer.
The 14-year-old won the 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the nation’s best middle school science competition, with his Melanoma Treating Soap. According to a news release, Bekele will earn a $25,000 cash prize and the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist” as the competition’s winner.
Bekele began competing against nine other finalists four months ago, eventually winning the final Challenge events on October 9 and 10 at 3M global headquarters in St. Paul, Minn.
Shripriya Kalbhavi, a ninth-grader at Lynbrook High School in San Jose, Calif., won second place for developing EasyBZ, a low-cost microneedle patch that enables for self-automated drug delivery without pills or needles, according to a press release.
Sarah Wang, a seventh-grader at The Pike School in Andover, Massachusetts, took third place this year. She created the Spring Epilepsy Detection Glove, which detects tonic-clonic and myoclonic epileptic seizures with common hand movements and tracks seizure statistics via a smartphone app. Second and third place winners will each earn $2,000 in prize money.
Finalists are paired with a 3M scientist who will guide them over the summer as they develop their idea from concept to prototype. Finalists were “evaluated on their ingenuity and innovative thinking, application of STEM principles, demonstration of passion and research, presentation skills, and ability to inspire others” throughout the competition, according to the statement.
The 3M Young Scientist Challenge was founded 16 years ago to encourage kids to think creatively and use STEM to create innovative solutions to real-world challenges. According to the announcement, previous winners have gone on to deliver TED Talks, file patents, form NGOs, join the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and exhibit at the White House Science Fair.
Bekele aims to refine his concept and establish a nonprofit organization to deliver his low-cost solution to communities in need over the next five years. He also hopes to become a successful electrical engineer and make an influence in the field, according to Gray News.
“There has never been a greater need for scientists and innovators to develop solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.” “This year’s Young Scientist Challenge finalists have demonstrated the skills necessary to reimagine what’s possible—intelligence, curiosity, collaboration, and resilience,” said John Banovetz, executive vice president, chief technology officer, and environmental responsibility at 3M.