March Highlight: Heman Bekele – Turning Curiosity Into a Cure

At seeMYchild, we love celebrating young minds who dream big—and Heman Bekele is doing just that. Named TIME’s Kid of the Year for 2024, Heman’s journey from playful experiments to groundbreaking innovation is nothing short of inspiring.

Originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Heman moved to the U.S. at age 4. By the time he was 7, he was already mixing household items to see what reactions he could create. That childhood curiosity quickly turned into a deep passion for science and helping others.

Now 15, Heman has invented something truly incredible: a bar of soap that may one day help treat and prevent multiple forms of skin cancer. His innovative idea earned him the top prize in the 3M Young Scientist Challenge—and a $25,000 award to continue his research.

Today, Heman spends his time researching in a lab at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, determined to bring his vision to life. 

Heman’s story is a powerful reminder that curiosity, compassion, and determination can spark real change—no matter your age.