Northeast High School InvenTeam Receives U.S. Patent
Broward County Public Schools | January 20, 2021
Congratulations to Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) Northeast High School’s 2018 Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam for being awarded a patent by the U.S. Patent and Trade Office for its invention of the Mosquito Agitator – a mosquito breeding disruptor. The device deters mosquitoes from laying eggs in standing water.
In honor of the accomplishment, members of the 2018 Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam, led by teacher Lise Clara Mabour, will take part in a patent issuance celebration on Thursday, January 21, 2021, at 8:15 a.m., at Northeast High School, 700 N.E. 56th Street, Oakland Park. Media is invited to cover this event.
InvenTeams are teams of high school students, teachers and mentors who receive grants of up to $10,000 each to invent technological solutions to real-world problems. The initiative of the Lemelson-MIT Program aims to inspire a new generation of inventors.
“This a proud moment for Broward County Public Schools and for Northeast High School,” said BCPS Superintendent Robert W. Runcie. “I congratulate the students on this outstanding team, their incredible teacher and all of those who have supported them along this journey. Their legacy will continue through this U.S. patent, which is an extraordinary achievement and particularly relevant here in South Florida. These students represent the future and the amazing things they can accomplish.”
Earning the U.S. patent for the mosquito disruptor is especially significant for Mabour. Eight years ago, when she was a student at Northeast High and a member of the school’s first inventor team, she helped create a portable water sanitation system that could be used after natural disasters. That invention was featured during a 2013 White House Science Fair with then President Barack Obama. Mabour went on to become a teacher and is now using her knowledge and skills to support and engage students at her alma mater.
“I am incredibly proud of Clara Mabour and her students for receiving a U.S. patent for their InvenTeam project,” said Lemelson-MIT Program Invention Education Officer Leigh Estabrooks. “They are inspiring role models for young inventors who are passionate about making a difference through invention.”
Media is invited to cover the Patent Issuance Celebration event. RSVP at bcps.pio@browardschools.com.
