Driven by the health problems associated with environmental pollution in her hometown of Salinas, Ana Lucía Pérez Escalera decided to take action. A new application, designed by the 14-year-old, will allow citizens to access critical information about this issue in their area, using only their cell phone.
The Oikos app was developed as part of Ana Lucía's initiatives within her non-profit organization, De a Pokito por Puerto Rico. In the app, users will be able to share their geographic region and get details about air quality. They will also be able to share their symptoms – such as headaches or allergies – and learn their risk level based on their exposure to air pollution.
With this information, Oikos will provide general recommendations on how to protect oneself, whether through cleaning measures, mask use, or others. Additionally, the user will be able to authorize the use of artificial intelligence, which will analyze their data and provide personalized recommendations.
“I wanted to create a tool that would explain to them how they can take care of themselves,” Ana Lucía told El Nuevo Día. “It is still in development and I have to optimize it, but I hope it will have a positive impact on the communities of Puerto Rico.”
The application will also serve as a research tool for local scientists interested in air quality and health. More research on the relationship between diseases and environmental pollution will allow for better public health intervention and help safeguard vulnerable populations.
“I want to show the general public that, little by little, we can all make a difference,” commented the young woman.
Air pollution has been linked to high risks of respiratory, cardiovascular, and even neurological diseases. Traditionally, the only way to access air quality information is through the websites of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA).
According to the DRNA, Puerto Rico has good air quality in most of the island. A 2025 study found that Puerto Rico complied with national standards for atmospheric pollutant levels established by the EPA.
However, in 2023, the regions of San Juan and Guayama-Salinas were not in compliance with the standards for sulfur dioxide and entered a remediation process. In both, the problem was due to pollution from power generation plants and, in 2024, they established an action plan to reduce their pollutant emissions.
Where did the idea come from?
Ana Lucía said she decided to take action because the effects of environmental pollution will affect her generation more. During a conference in Mayagüez, the young woman met Dr. Héctor de Jesús Cortés, co-founder of the organization BioGenesis Puerto Rico and director of the Trust of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras.
Impressed by Ana Lucía's project, De Jesús Cortés decided to invite her to participate in “BioAI,” an eight-week forum for high school students interested in creating social impact through technology and artificial intelligence. It was there that she designed Oikos and won second place in the local competition.
Then, she applied to the MIT Global Appathon 2026, a virtual technology competition, where the challenge is for people to submit an application that solves one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. Oikos meets three of them: human health, sustainable communities, and climate action. Ana Lucía became the first Puerto Rican to win this competition in the individual youth category.
“I was surprised that, among 2,176 students from 141 countries, they chose me. It's an honor and I'm very happy,” she mentioned. “After three attempts, I finally got this opportunity.”
As part of the recognition, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) invited Ana Lucía to give a talk about Oikos, at a conference, in Boston, the state capital. She will have an international audience, including technology investors. Participating in this forum will allow her to continue developing Oikos and, later, officially launch it.
“Ana Lucía is a star that shines on her own, and the more we can help her achieve that goal and Oikos' incredible potential, the better,” said De Jesús Cortés, for his part.
The young woman is raising funds to cover her trip, from July 6 to 8. If you wish to donate, you can do so through her GoFundMe page or via ATH Móvil, at (787) 466-1029, or ATH Móvil Business: /DeAPokitoPorPuertoRico.