Eniola Shokunbi, 12, creates air-filtration system, receives  $11.5 million funding

Eniola Shokunbi, a 12-year-old Nigerian-born middle school grader based in the state of Conneticut, USA has received $11.5 million in funding after achieving a groundbreaking project in science by creating an air filtration system that effectively removes over 99% of air-borne diseases.

The funding which was granted by the Conneticut State Board Commission in Oct. 2024, was born when Eniola was charged with coming up with a way to improve school safety in the event of a pandemic in the future  at the Commodore MacDonough STEM Academy, where she schools. She created a straightforward but efficient air filtration system because she believed that improved air quality was necessary to fight airborne viruses like COVID-19.

With the help of experts from the University of Connecticut (UConn), who conducted thorough testing, Eniola’s ground-breaking idea gained traction. After verifying its effectiveness, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that the gadget successfully eliminated more than 99% of airborne viruses. This innovation has made it possible for the Connecticut State Bond Commission to approve $11.5 million in funds to install these cutting-edge air filters in schools around the state.

According to report, each unit of this air filtration system costs $60 and with the funding, the system will now be installed in schools across the state of Conneticut.

“Thanks to the unanimous approval of the grant by Connecticut’s legislators and the bond commission, I am working alongside the University of Connecticut’s team of scientists to launch filter installations across the state of Connecticut. My goal is to take this initiative nationwide,” she says. 

Eniola further envisions making this project global and also have students know how to build it on their own. “A key component of my mission is to involve students directly in the process by having them build the air filter boxes themselves. This hands-on involvement will provide educational benefits in STEAM fields while also fostering leadership skills and raising awareness about environmental health.”

“Ultimately, my goal is to create healthier learning environments for all students while empowering them with practical skills and knowledge to make a lasting difference in sustainability,” she added.