Kootenai County students advance to Invention Convention nationals

COEUR d’ALENE — Five of North Idaho’s top young inventors will be competing June 4-6 in the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals in Dearborn, Mich. 

Last month, 110 students from across the Gem State showcased their ingenuity at the University of Idaho for the 2025 Idaho Invention Convention state finals. A total of 18 students advanced to the next level of competition. 

Jennifer McDonald, a third grade student from Bryan Elementary, earned recognition for her project, “Under the Sea Farm: An Underwater Farm and Living Facility.” 

“My invention is a dome I created under water to make a farm with a living facility to help make room for farms, since we are running out of room on land and to keep plants safe from natural disasters like hurricanes, forest fires, tornadoes, bugs and more,” she said. 

North Idaho STEM Charter Academy touts two students who advanced to nationals, fourth-grader Hudson Carleton and seventh-grader Charlize Asper. 

Hudson’s “Garage Blanket” project aims to prevent deaths, injuries and property losses stemming from fires, while Charlize’s project, “Safe-Bite,” is an app that scans meat products for different types of hormones. 

“Charlize and Hudson have earned this opportunity,” said Scott Thomson, executive director of North Idaho STEM Charter Academy. “We are very proud of these young inventors and wish them well in the national competition in Michigan. We know they will represent Idaho well!” 

Hollyn Kramer, a home-schooled sixth grade student from Rathdrum, won Best of Show for grades five through eight and a $1,000 scholarship for her invention, “Microplast-ATTACK.” 

“Microplast-ATTACK is a machine that attracts and then attacks microplastics in wastewater treatment plants,” she said. “It does this by using magnets called NADES to attract and PETase and MHETase, natural enzymes, to break down the plastics.” 

Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy seventh grader Emily Laddy earned accolades for “Walk Safe,” an invention meant to make pedestrian crossings safer. 

“We’re so proud of Emily and her Walk Safe project,” said Principal Dan Nicklay. “Advancing to the national Invention Convention is an outstanding achievement that reflects her creativity and commitment to helping others.”

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Kaye Thornbrugh contributed to this story.

    North Idaho STEM Charter Academy students Hudson Carleton and Charlize Asper advanced to Invention Convention nationals. Courtesy photo.
  

    Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy student Emily Laddy will compete at Invention Convention nationals. Courtesy photo.
  

    Rathdrum homeschooler Hollyn Kramer is seen with her invention, "Microplast ATTACK."