At just 12 years old, Eniola Shokunbi is not only thinking about her future—she’s actively reshaping the world around her.
While many children her age are focused on schoolwork and extracurriculars, Eniola is leading a movement to improve indoor air quality in classrooms and homes, starting with her own school in Middletown, Connecticut.
The young Nigerian-American inventor is the brain behind a low-cost air filter system built using a box fan, four furnace filters, duct tape, and cardboard.
Though simple in design, the Corsi-Rosenthal box she promotes is powerful—proven to remove over 99% of airborne viruses according to testing by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“I want kids to go to school knowing they’re safe, healthy, and ready to learn,” Eniola said. “If we’re not investing in science, we’re not investing in our kids’ future.”
From Classroom Project to Statewide Implementation
Eniola’s journey began in fifth grade at Commodore MacDonough STEM Academy, where she and her classmates were asked to devise a solution to improve school safety during potential pandemics. Her answer was to tackle air quality—a crucial but often overlooked element in public health.
Her air filter system quickly attracted attention. Working closely with scientists at the University of Connecticut, Eniola’s team tested and certified the design. Its affordability and effectiveness made it a standout solution in the fight against airborne diseases like COVID-19 and the flu.
Her efforts soon reached the ears of policymakers. Eniola was present when the Connecticut State Bond Commission unanimously approved an $11.5 million grant to fund the construction and installation of these DIY filters in public schools across the state. The initiative, now known as SAFE-CT (Supplemental Air Filtration for Education), is a partnership with UConn that aims to enhance learning environments by reducing airborne contaminants.
More Than Science: Empowering the Next Generation
What makes Eniola’s mission unique is her commitment to youth involvement.
She envisions students building the filters themselves as part of their science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education.
“This isn’t just about clean air,” she said. “It’s about giving students the tools to be problem-solvers and leaders. I want to inspire other Nigerian children to dream big, solve problems, and make a difference.”
Her work has earned admiration from local and international leaders alike. During a recent visit to Nigeria, Eniola met with the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, and the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa. Both officials praised her innovation and described her as “a beacon of hope and a true ambassador of Nigerian excellence.”
A Dream That Goes Beyond Borders
Eniola’s impact is already being felt across Connecticut, but her ambition stretches much farther. She hopes to see her air filter boxes installed in every classroom in the United States and even back home in Nigeria.
Shokunbi’s vision is not just scientific, it’s deeply personal and community-focused.
“A lot of people don’t realize that the only thing standing between them and getting sick is science,” she said. “That’s why we need to make science accessible, practical, and real for every student.”
And as for the future? Eniola has her sights set high.
“I want to be President of the United States one day,” she says with a confident smile. “But for now, I just want to help keep kids healthy.”
