At just 12 years old, while most of her classmates were focused on homework, video games, and after-school activities, Eniola Shokunbi set her sights on something far more ambitious — protecting the air children breathe in classrooms. Using only a box fan, a furnace filter, and some tape, she engineered a low-cost air purifier capable of removing over 99% of airborne particles, including viruses that spread quickly in crowded spaces.
What started as a modest science fair project soon attracted attention far beyond her school. During a global health crisis, educators and health officials took notice of her invention, praising it for being both effective and affordable. Unlike traditional air purifiers that often cost hundreds of dollars, Eniola’s model could be assembled for a fraction of the price, making it an accessible solution for underfunded schools.
Her creation didn’t just earn her recognition — it sparked real-world impact. The project went on to secure an impressive $11.5 million in funding, allowing the idea to scale statewide across Connecticut. Today, thousands of students benefit from cleaner, safer classroom air, thanks to a simple but powerful idea born in the mind of a determined pre-teen.
Eniola’s journey is proof that innovation can come from anywhere, not just high-tech labs or billion-dollar corporations. Sometimes, the greatest breakthroughs come from those willing to look at everyday problems in a new way. Her story is not only about improving air quality but also about the creativity, resilience, and vision of young minds.
It’s a reminder that the next big solution to a global challenge could come from someone still in middle school.
From School Project to Statewide Change: The 12-Year-Old Who Transformed Classroom Air
