A determined middle school student from Connecticut, Eniola Shokunbi, is spearheading an ambitious initiative aimed at enhancing classroom safety with the construction of advanced virus-filtering air systems, backed by a funding of $11.5 million dedicated to this vital project. This innovative effort comes in the wake of her experiences after a tragic incident in which a classmate unexpectedly collapsed during gym class, emphasizing the importance of clean air in educational settings.
The funding originates from a project that Shokunbi initiated during her fifth-grade year, where her ingenuity shone through as she and her classmates engineered a novel air filtration system designed specifically to eliminate cold and COVID-19 viruses from school environments. Collaborating closely with scientists, they installed these groundbreaking filters at the Commodore MacDonough STEM Academy located in Middletown, Connecticut, in partnership with the University of Connecticut.
“The air goes through all the sides,” Shokunbi explained, per NBC Connecticut. “And it comes out of the top, so it filters in and out.” Through this remarkable design, the air filtration systems ensure a continuous circulation of safe and clean air within classrooms, combating various airborne viruses.
Each of Shokunbi’s ingenious air systems can be constructed for approximately $60, utilizing easily accessible materials such as a box fan, four furnace filters, duct tape, and cardboard. These systems underwent rigorous evaluation and were tested and certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in North Carolina, which confirmed their remarkable efficacy in purging the air of harmful viruses.
“It showed that the air filter took out over 99% of viruses in the air,” Shokunbi said. “And that it was effective.” This groundbreaking statistic underscores the critical role that efficient air filtration systems can play in promoting the health and well-being of students in educational institutions.
In a landmark move, the State Bond Commission unanimously approved the allocation of $11.5 million, facilitating the construction and installation of additional air filtration systems in schools across Connecticut. The funding will be channeled to the University of Connecticut as part of the school’s Supplemental Air Filtration for Education Program, further enhancing the safety of learning environments statewide.
“A lot of people, they don’t realize sometimes, that the only thing standing between them and getting sick is science,” Shokunbi expressed passionately. “If we’re not investing in that, then we’re not investing in the kids’ future.” Through her visionary words, she highlights the invaluable connection between education, health, and scientific innovation.
The young inventor aspires to ensure that filters are in every classroom across America, striving for a future where students can feel secure while they learn. “I want them to go to school knowing that they’re safe, that they’re healthy, that they can learn,” Shokunbi articulated with determination. “I really love explaining to people and seeing their faces, seeing them realize that this could change so many lives.”
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What are the key features of Eniola Shokunbi’s air filtration system designed for schools?
**Interview with Eniola Shokunbi: Innovating for Safe Classrooms**
**Interviewer:** Today, we have the remarkable Eniola Shokunbi, a middle school student from Connecticut who is making waves with her initiative to enhance classroom safety through advanced virus-filtering air systems. Eniola, thank you for joining us!
**Eniola Shokunbi:** Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share my project.
**Interviewer:** You’ve recently secured funding of $11.5 million for your initiative. What inspired you to start this project?
**Eniola Shokunbi:** My inspiration came after a very serious incident in which a classmate collapsed during gym class. It made me realize how crucial clean air is for everyone in schools, especially with the ongoing concerns about airborne viruses like COVID-19.
**Interviewer:** That’s truly commendable. Can you tell us more about how your air filtration system works?
**Eniola Shokunbi:** Absolutely! The system is designed to pull air in from all sides and push it out from the top, continuously circulating the air in the classroom. This ensures that any harmful particles are filtered out. We used simple materials—a box fan, four furnace filters, duct tape, and cardboard—to create these systems for about $60 each.
**Interviewer:** It’s impressive that you’ve developed such an effective system at a low cost. How did you validate its efficacy?
**Eniola Shokunbi:** We conducted thorough testing with scientists, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in North Carolina certified our system. The tests showed that our air filter removed over 99% of viruses from the air, proving that it’s effective in combating airborne pathogens.
**Interviewer:** That’s an incredible statistic! What do you hope for the future of this initiative?
**Eniola Shokunbi:** I hope that every school can implement these air filtration systems. It’s about ensuring a safe learning environment for all students. Clean air is essential for health, and I want to promote well-being in schools nationwide.
**Interviewer:** With your passion and ingenuity, it seems like you’re on the right track. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Eniola. Your work is inspiring and vital for the future of education.
**Eniola Shokunbi:** Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to spread the word about the importance of clean air in schools.