GSC Student Secures Top Finish Among Georgia’s Largest Institutions
By Karolina Philmon, GSC marketing manager
In a milestone moment for Gordon State College, Danielle Gibson earned third place at the University System of Georgia’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, marking a major achievement for the college’s first student entrepreneurship initiative and placing GSC alongside some of the state’s largest institutions.
Gibson, a post-baccalaureate student, presented a business concept centered on copper electroplating technology designed to improve equine hoof health. Her idea focuses on applying copper to steel horseshoes to release antimicrobial ions over time, helping protect against bacterial infections that can lead to lameness and long-term health issues in horses.
“I was privileged to represent a school that gave me the opportunity to represent myself and my business,” Gibson said.
Held at the system level, the competition featured students from some of Georgia’s largest institutions, including Georgia Tech, the University of Georgia and Georgia State University. Gibson’s third-place finish highlights the strength of GSC’s academic environment and its emphasis on innovation and real-world application, echoing her belief that ambition and innovation are not defined by institutional size.
“Competing alongside students from larger institutions just highlighted that ambition and innovation are not tied to scale,” Gibson said. “Every competitor brought grit and determination, and it made for a competition where ambition spoke louder than affiliation.”
Gibson’s concept originated from her professional experience as a farrier, where she identified a common challenge in maintaining hoof integrity in wet and bacteria-prone environments. By combining her field knowledge with scientific research, she developed a solution that addresses both durability and infection prevention.
The project was developed in collaboration with Dr. Andy Osborne, GSC professor of chemistry and faculty mentor, whose expertise in chemistry and electrochemistry helped bring the concept to life through hands-on research and experimentation.
“Dani came to me with a clear vision and a strong understanding of the problem she wanted to solve,” Osborne said. “This project has been rooted in collaboration, innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset from the very beginning.”
Their work reflects GSC’s focus on experiential learning, where students engage in real-world problem-solving beyond the classroom. Through initiatives such as the college’s inaugural entrepreneurship competition, students are encouraged to develop ideas, refine their approach and present solutions that address industry needs.
“This is the kind of work that defines Gordon State College,” Osborne said. “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.”
Looking ahead, Gibson plans to continue developing the product while pursuing veterinary school, with the goal of expanding its reach and impact.
“In the next few years, I see this becoming a self-sustaining business that benefits horses, farriers and owners across the country,” Gibson said.
GSC continues to expand opportunities for students to engage in innovation, entrepreneurship and workforce-aligned learning, reinforcing its role in preparing graduates to contribute to economic development across Georgia.
