Middle school milestones typically involve all sorts of life transformations, but Eniola Shokunbi also has a multimillion dollar school safety project to think about.
When she was in fifth grade, Eniola wrote to the University of Connecticut to ask for help in creating an air filter system that would make classrooms safer by removing cold and Covid-19 viruses.
Researchers at the college replied, and helped Eniola and her classmates in the city of Middletown build and install inexpensive air filters at their school, that cost around $60 each. “The air goes through all the sides,” she explained to NBC Connecticut. “And it comes out of the top, so it filters in and out.”
Her invention has now been tested and certified by the Environmental Protection Agency, with impressive results: “It showed that the air filter took out over 99 percent of viruses in the air,” Eniola said of the device, which involves a box fan, four furnace filters, duct tape, and cardboard.
Last week, the State Bond Commission unanimously approved $11.5 million in funding for the construction and installation of the air filters for other schools across Connecticut. “Eniola is fabulous,” State Senator Matt Lesser said. “She wows every room she’s in front of. She’s a real rock star.”
Going forward, Eniola hopes they’ll make it to all the classrooms in the country. And after that? She plans on becoming president of the United States. Nobody in Connecticut would bet against that not happening.