
At just 12 years old, Eniola Shokunbi tackled a problem that schools across the country have struggled with for years: unsafe indoor air.
Her solution wasnât a multimillion-dollar system or advanced technology.
It was a simple DIY air filter built with:
A box fan
Standard air filters
A total cost of around $60
Her goal was straightforward but powerfulâmake classrooms safer by cleaning the air students breathe every single day.
đ§Ș Results That Shocked Experts
When the device was tested by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the results surprised even professionals.
The low-cost filter removed over 99% of viruses from the air.
That performance rivaledâand in some cases outperformedâfar more expensive air filtration systems already used in schools.
đ« Why This Matters
Poor indoor air quality has long been linked to:
Higher illness rates
Reduced concentration
Increased absenteeism
Schools often struggle to afford advanced ventilation upgrades. Eniolaâs project proved that effective solutions donât always need massive budgetsâjust smart thinking.
đ A Bigger Lesson
This wasnât just a science project.
It showed that:
Innovation can come from anyone
Age is not a barrier to impact
Simple ideas can solve national-scale problems
Sometimes, progress doesnât arrive through billion-dollar programsâbut through curiosity, creativity, and determination.
â Q&A Section

