Connecticut student designs air filter to protect students against a future pandemic

A middle schooler has designed an air filter built to reduce the spread of airborne viruses in classrooms.

Eniola Shokunbi and her classmates at Commodore MacDonough STEM Academy in Middletown, Connecticut, were assigned the task of inventing a solution that would keep them safe if there were another pandemic. 

Shokunbi spearheaded the project, developing an air filter system to improve the air quality in classrooms by keeping the air free of cold, flu, and COVID viruses.

The fifth grader used simple materials to build the device including four furnace filters, a box fan, duct tape, and cardboard. 

Production costs were only $60 for each unit, making the air filter significantly cheaper than its competitors.

With support from scientists at the University of Connecticut, the air filter was tested and the results were presented to officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in North Carolina. 

The EPA found that the device eliminated over 99% of viruses in the air, making it not only more affordable but also more effective than many commercial air filters on the market.

Following these impressive results, Shokunbi was present when the Connecticut State Bond Commission unanimously approved $11.5 million for the construction and installation of the air filter system for other schools in the state.

The funding will go to the University of Connecticut as part of the school’s Supplemental Air Filtration for Education Programme.

Explaining how the air filter works, Shokunbi said, “The air goes through the sides and it comes out of the top, so it filters in and out.”

The air filter attracted the attention of State Senator Matthew Lesser, who shared his thoughts on Shokunbi and the project.

“I’m just blown away by these kids and Eniola is fabulous,” Lesser said. “She wows every room she’s in front of. She’s a real rock star.” 

Now in sixth grade, Shokunbi’s goal is to expand the project nationwide and get a low-cost air filter into every classroom in America.

Reflecting on the importance of investing in science, Shokunbi said, “A lot of people don’t realise that the only thing standing between them and getting sick is science.

“If we’re not investing in that, then we’re not investing in kids’ futures. I want them to go to school knowing that they’re safe, that they’re healthy, that they can learn.

“I really love explaining to people and seeing their faces, seeing them realise that this could change so many lives.”

Shokunbi aspires to become the president of the United States, but in the meantime, she wants to inspire the next generation of innovators so that they too can have a positive impact on their local communities and beyond.