In a remarkable fusion of curiosity and compassion, a 12-year-old girl has invented virus-killing air filters designed especially for classrooms — a breakthrough that has not only improved student safety but earned her $11.5 million in state funding to install the system in schools across the state.
Her innovation, developed during a school science project in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, uses UV-C light, HEPA filtration, and a biodegradable antimicrobial coating to trap and neutralize airborne viruses, bacteria, and allergens — all in real time.
What began as a middle school science experiment quickly turned into a real-world solution. After presenting her prototype at a regional STEM fair, researchers and health experts were stunned by its effectiveness — with lab tests showing it could eliminate 99.7% of airborne viruses in minutes.
“I just wanted to make my classroom safer for my friends,” the young inventor shared. “I never imagined it would go this far.”
The device, praised for its low energy usage, low maintenance, and affordability, drew attention from public health departments and school boards. After successful pilot programs in five districts, the state approved an $11.5 million grant to implement the air filters in hundreds of classrooms — especially in underserved and rural schools.
Education leaders say the project is not only helping reduce absenteeism due to illness but also sparking new enthusiasm for science and innovation among students.
“This is more than an air filter — it’s an inspiration,” said a state education official. “She’s shown how young minds can solve big problems.”
With science, heart, and a vision for safer schools, a 12-year-old has proven that age is no barrier to making a statewide impact.
