Eniola Shokunbi, a remarkable young student from Connecticut, has captivated the attention of her peers, educators, and even state lawmakers with an innovative solution to improve classroom air quality.
With her sights set on a long-term dream of becoming President of the United States, Eniola is already making a significant impact by addressing pressing health concerns in schools.
Her journey began with a simple but powerful idea: to design an affordable and effective air filtration system capable of reducing the spread of cold and flu viruses in classrooms.
Eniola's initiative started during her time as a fifth grader at the Commodore MacDonough STEM Academy in Middletown, Connecticut. Driven by a desire to create healthier learning environments, she spearheaded a collaborative project with her classmates to design and build a functional air filter.
Using readily available materials -- a box fan, four furnace filters, duct tape, and cardboard -- they constructed a device aimed at removing airborne viruses from classroom spaces.
The project was not just a creative exercise but a rigorous scientific endeavor. With the guidance and support of researchers from the University of Connecticut, Eniola and her team conducted tests to evaluate the efficacy of their air filter.
The results of these tests proved to be promising, showcasing the device's capability to filter out harmful particles from the air. Eniola's dedication to the project extended beyond her school; she and her classmates even had the opportunity to present their findings to experts at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
State Senator Matt Lesser was among those who recognized the significance of Eniola's innovation. Praising the project, he told NBC CT, "This stuff is more effective than a lot of the commercial products on the market; it's a lot cheaper and a lot more effective."
Such endorsements highlight the potential of Eniola's work to make a meaningful difference, especially in public schools where resources for advanced technologies are often limited.
The impact of Eniola's efforts reached a milestone when she witnessed a significant decision by the Connecticut State Bond Commission. The commission unanimously approved $11.5 million in funding for the assembly and installation of her air filter system in schools across the state. This achievement marked a critical step toward realizing her broader vision of implementing these filters in classrooms nationwide.
As a sixth grader, Eniola remains passionate about her mission to create safer learning environments for students. Her enthusiasm is evident when she speaks about her work.
"I want them to go to school knowing that they're safe, that they're healthy, that they can learn," she expressed. She finds joy in educating others about her invention and takes pride in witnessing the realization of its potential impact.
"I really love explaining to people and seeing their faces, seeing them realize that this could change so many lives," she added.
Eniola's story is an inspiring example of how young minds, armed with creativity, determination, and a commitment to public well-being, can tackle significant challenges. Her low-cost, high-impact air filter system not only addresses immediate health concerns in classrooms but also sets a precedent for innovation driven by students.
As her journey unfolds, Eniola continues to demonstrate that age is no barrier to making a profound difference in the world.