Eniola Shokunbi, a 12-year-old Nigerian-American student from Connecticut, has made significant strides in addressing a pressing issue in schools: the spread of airborne diseases. Inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic, she designed a simple yet effective air filter that has garnered national attention and significant funding.

A Young Mind, A Big Solution

Tasked with creating a solution to enhance school safety during potential future pandemics, Eniola, a fifth-grader at Commodore MacDonough STEM Academy in Middletown, turned her attention to the air we breathe. Her innovative air filter design is not only effective but also remarkably affordable.

The design is straightforward: a box fan, four furnace filters, duct tape, and cardboard. This ingenious combination results in a unit that can be produced for approximately $60, making it a cost-effective alternative to commercial air purifiers.

Scientific Validation

Eniola’s design was rigorously tested with the support of scientists at the University of Connecticut (UConn). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed that the device can eliminate over 99% of airborne viruses, demonstrating its potential to significantly improve classroom safety.

Funding

The Connecticut State Bond Commission recently approved $11.5 million in funding to implement Eniola’s air filters in schools across the state. This funding is part of UConn’s SAFE-CT: Supplemental Air Filtration for Education Program, which aims to equip every public school classroom with these vital air purification systems.

Eniola’s vision extends beyond Connecticut. She aspires to see her air filters implemented in classrooms nationwide, believing that science holds the key to protecting children’s health. Her words resonate: “A lot of people don’t realize that the only thing standing between them and getting sick is science.”

Eniola Shokunbi’s remarkable achievement serves as an inspiration to young people around the world. Her story underscores the power of innovation, the importance of scientific inquiry, and the potential for young minds to make a significant impact on the world.

Eniola Shokunbi Credit: Shoppe Black