Twelve-year-old Nigerian-American student Eniola Shokunbi has been awarded $11.5 million in funding to develop and install her innovative air filtration system in schools across Connecticut.
Shokunbi, a student at Commodore MacDonough STEM Academy in Middletown, Connecticut, designed a cost-effective air filter using a box fan, four furnace filters, duct tape, and cardboard. This device effectively removes over 99% of airborne viruses, including COVID-19, as confirmed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The Connecticut State Bond Commission unanimously approved the $11.5 million grant to facilitate the production and installation of these air filters in classrooms statewide, aiming to enhance air quality and safety for students and staff.
Shokunbi’s innovation not only addresses a critical public health need but also exemplifies the impact of youth-led initiatives in STEM fields. Her vision extends beyond Connecticut, as she hopes to see her air filters implemented in classrooms nationwide.
