An 18-year-old Colorado student, Natalie Muro, has created a novel device to combat toxic algal blooms in freshwater ecosystems. Her system employs wind-generated waves and an invasive plant to effectively remove cyanobacteria—the primary cause of these blooms. Field tests showed the device successfully eliminated nearly all cyanobacteria present, also capturing the resulting decaying organic matter. This represents a potentially low-cost and sustainable solution for restoring water quality. The innovation addresses a growing environmental concern, as algal blooms threaten aquatic life and human health. Muro’s work highlights the power of student-led research in tackling complex ecological challenges. Her device offers a promising step towards revitalizing damaged freshwater environments.