Eniola Shokunbi, a 12-year-old Nigerian-American inventor, has captured national attention for her innovative and cost-effective air filter project designed to improve classroom air quality in the United States. The Connecticut State Bond Commission recently approved $11.5 million in funding to support her groundbreaking initiative, a move that promises to make classrooms safer and healthier for students across the nation.

Shokunbi’s invention, which she first conceived as a fifth grader at Commodore MacDonough STEM Academy in Middletown, was inspired by her desire to address the airborne health risks posed by viruses like COVID-19. Recognizing the critical need for better air filtration in schools, she designed an affordable system that uses basic materials—a box fan, four furnace filters, duct tape, and cardboard—resulting in a unit that costs only around $60 to produce.

The simplicity of Shokunbi’s design belies its effectiveness. The air filter works by drawing air through the sides of the unit and expelling it from the top, ensuring that harmful particles are captured in the process. The system has been rigorously tested, with scientists from the University of Connecticut and approval from the Environmental Protection Agency, confirming that it removes over 99% of airborne viruses.

Shokunbi’s ingenuity has earned praise from Connecticut State Senator Matt Lesser, who called her a “real rock star” for her exceptional work. In a statement, Lesser expressed admiration for Shokunbi’s drive and talent, saying, “Eniola is fabulous. She wows every room she’s in front of.”

Beyond the technical aspects, Shokunbi advocates for a greater investment in young minds, believing that science holds the key to solving the world’s biggest challenges. “The only thing that eliminates sickness is science,” she said. Her project is now poised to make a lasting impact, offering schools an affordable way to improve air quality and protect students’ health for years to come.