Eniola Shokunbi is a 12-year-old student from Connecticut who has made significant strides in improving indoor air quality in classrooms. While in fifth grade at Commodore MacDonough STEM Academy in Middletown, she developed a cost-effective air filtration system aimed at reducing airborne viruses, including COVID-19.
Her innovative design utilizes a box fan, four furnace filters, duct tape, and cardboard, resulting in a unit that costs approximately $60 to produce. Testing by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed that the filter removes over 99% of airborne viruses.
Eniola’s dedication led to the Connecticut State Bond Commission approving $11.5 million in funding to implement these air filters in schools across the state. This initiative is part of the University of Connecticut’s Supplemental Air Filtration for Education (SAFE) program, which aims to enhance air quality in educational settings.
Beyond her technical achievements, Eniola emphasizes the importance of science in safeguarding public health, stating, “A lot of people, they don’t realize sometimes, that the only thing standing between them and getting sick is science.”
Her work has garnered national attention, including features on “Good Morning America,” highlighting her role as a young innovator committed to creating healthier learning environments.
Eniola continues to advocate for improved air quality in schools and aims to expand her efforts nationwide, demonstrating a profound commitment to public health and environmental stewardship.
