For about two years, Hudson Falls High School senior Ashlyn Hutchinson has been studying algae.

She started with a year of preliminary research. That was followed by months of experiments, data analysis and creating a presentation.

Her research has focused on how to get rid of a toxic algae species using sound waves and magnets, two methods that have never been tested together.

“They both have their own overlapping flaws so that theoretically together it would have a successful eradication level that it wouldn’t grow back,” Hutchinson said. “So it’s a permanent solution.”

The experiment was a success. Hutchinson’s hard work is now displayed on a poster, which she recently presented in the Greater Capital Region Science and Engineering Fair.

That qualified her for the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Atlanta. There, she’ll compete against nearly 1,800 finalists. More than $5 million of prizes are on the line.

“It’s definitely a little stressful thinking about how big of a competition it is in general but at the same time, I made it here for a reason,” Hutchinson said.

The competition is held May 7-13, with much of Hutchinson’s judging taking place May 10. Regardless of what happens in Atlanta, she’s proud of her work.

“It was an incredible experience doing all that research and understanding what it means to go through something this extensive,” Hutchinson said.

Hutchinson graduates in June and hopes to study veterinary medicine in college.