Heman Bekele, a 9th grader at W.T. Woodson High School in Annandale, Virginia, was awarded the $25,000 grand prize as the winner of the 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge, with a melanoma treatment in the form of a bar of soap.

As the winner of the nation's premier middle school science contest, now in its 16th year, Bekele has been accorded the prestigious title of "America's Top Young Scientist."

He explains that his work was spurred on by discovering the recovery rate of melanoma in the US compared to sub-Saharan Africa (99% to 20%). By combining simple compounds in the soap that kept costs low he also was able to create a product that stimulates the activity of dendritic cells which act as protectors of skin cells.

"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, executive vice president and chief technology officer of 3M.