A Gordon student is building early success with state-level recognition.
In March, Danielle Gibson, a post-baccalaureate student at Gordon State College, won Gordon’s inaugural entrepreneurship competition, earning the opportunity to compete at the University System of Georgia’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition.
At the state level, Gibson finished in third place, where she competed with students from larger USG research universities like Georgia Tech, the University of Georgia, and Georgia State University.
Gibson focused on improving the lives of horses by developing a product that protects their hooves from bacterial damage through the use of copper electroplating applied to horseshoes, which releases antimicrobial ions over time. This product is especially beneficial to horses living in wet environments, where bacterial infections mostly affect hoof health in the long run.
Gibson’s idea came from her own experience as a farrier. She worked alongside Gordon chemistry professor Dr. Andy Osborne to come up with a functional, research-based solution.
“This is the kind of work that defines Gordon State College. We are in a position to identify talent, help students find their path, and support them in developing ideas that can make a meaningful impact,” Osborne said.
This is more than an academic achievement for Danielle Gibson. She plans to continue working on this product while she attends veterinary school, hoping to bring the product into mainstream use by farriers and horse owners.
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
