A 12-year-old Nigerian-American, Eniola Shokunbi, is making waves with her innovative air filter product designed to enhance air quality in U.S. classrooms.
Her cost-effective invention is seen as a tool capable of preventing the spread of airborne diseases, especially in the wake of potential future pandemics.
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Full Statement of Eniola Shokunbi on the $11m-Backed Air Filter Innovation
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10 under 15 young people blazing the trail in business, investment and innovation
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Shokunbi, a former fifth-grader at Commodore MacDonough STEM Academy in Middletown, Connecticut, developed the air filter as part of a school project focused on pandemic preparedness.
Motivated by the need for affordable air purification in schools, her invention combines simplicity with effectiveness.
How was it made? And, how does it work?
The air filter (made using a box fan, four furnace filters, duct tape, and cardboard) costs only $60 to produce. “The air goes through all the sides and comes out of the top, filtering in and out,” Shokunbi explained.
Despite its simplicity, the device underwent rigorous testing with scientists at the University of Connecticut (UConn) and received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which confirmed it removes over 99% of airborne viruses.
Shokunbi is getting the nods
State Senator Matt Lesser praised Shokunbi’s invention, calling her a “rock star” and highlighting the filter’s effectiveness compared to commercial options. “This device is more affordable and more effective than many products on the market,” he noted.
In October 2024, Connecticut’s legislature approved $11.5 million in funding to expand the use of these air filters in more schools under UConn’s Supplemental Air Filtration for Education Program.
How is Shokunbi taking her success
Eniola Shokunbi’s passion for science is evident. “Many people don’t realize that science is the only thing standing between them and getting sick,” she said. “I want kids to go to school feeling safe, healthy, and ready to learn.” She added, “It’s amazing to see people’s reactions when they realize this simple invention could change so many lives.”
Her invention is more than a school project, as it demonstrates the power of youth innovation and the place of an enabling learning environment for children’s growth in a space as the U.S.
“My goal is to take this initiative nationwide. A key component of my mission is to involve students directly in the process by having them build the air filter boxes themselves,” she noted in a longer statement detailing her vision.
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Full Statement of Eniola Shokunbi on the $11m-Backed Air Filter Innovation
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10 under 15 young people blazing the trail in business, investment and innovation
-
How family, environment can drive children’s success
-
How to help your child succeed early in life
Commentary
- Eniola is an example of a young chap who benefited from the potential of an enabling environment. Maximum credit to the USA. Eniola is a Nigerian wine in an American bottle.
- Teachers and parents in Africa need to pay more attention to the geniuses in young children. Again, I think it is a question of the content of a teacher or parent because people, essentially, cannot give what they don’t have. One is tempted to ask, how many more young dreamers will Africa kill?
