A 12-year-old Nigerian-born girl, Eniola Shokunbi, has achieved a groundbreaking feat by obtaining $11.5 million in funding for her pioneering air filter system.
The funding, allocated by the Connecticut State Bond Commission, will facilitate the installation of her system in schools across Connecticut, Shoppe Black reports.
According to reports, Eniola’s innovative journey started in fifth grade at Commodore MacDonough STEM Academy in Middletown, Connecticut. Her teacher tasked students with finding solutions to pandemic-related issues in schools, sparking Eniola to design a pioneering air filtration system.
Priced at just $60 per unit, Eniola’s prototype presents a game-changing, budget-friendly alternative to expensive commercial air purification systems.
“My goal was to make something that everyone could afford and that could make schools safer,” Eniola said.
Eniola’s groundbreaking invention gained momentum with the support of University of Connecticut (UConn) scientists, who put it through rigorous testing. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) subsequently validated its efficacy, revealing that the device effectively removed over 99% of airborne viruses. This breakthrough has paved the way for the Connecticut State Bond Commission’s approval of $11.5 million in funding to equip schools statewide with these innovative air filters.
The $11.5 million funding is allocated through UConn’s SAFE-CT initiative, a comprehensive program designed to equip every public school classroom with air purification systems.
Eniola’s work has earned her widespread acclaim from state officials, and she is now poised to take her innovative air filters nationwide.
“A lot of people don’t realize that the only thing standing between them and getting sick is science,” the 6thh grader said.
