Stephenville FFA Member's Research Reveals Safer Cutting Board Cleaning Method
Thursday, January 1, 2026 | Author: Texas FFA News
Brady Goodwin is improving home kitchen safety through agriscience research. After discovering that many foodborne illnesses stem from improper cleaning practices, the Stephenville FFA member designed a study to determine which cutting board washing method most effectively reduces bacteria on cutting boards.
“I wanted my project to address a real problem that affects everyday people,” said Goodwin.
The experiment tested wooden and plastic cutting boards exposed to raw chicken, then compared different washing variables: hot vs. cold water, Dawn vs. Palmolive dish soap, and towel drying vs. air drying. Bacteria levels were measured by swabbing the boards, culturing samples on nutrient agar, and counting the resulting colonies.
One result stood out. Air drying significantly reduced bacterial growth.
“The air-drying method only produced about 12 colonies, compared to 32 with towel drying and 66 with no washing,” Goodwin said. “It was a meaningful difference.”
His project evolved into full-scale scientific investigation. Including controlling variables, tracking data, and conducting statistical analysis.
“I grew from a planner into an analyst and decision-maker,” he shared. “This project showed me how small changes, like choosing to air dry, can make a big impact on kitchen safety.”
Goodwin hopes to continue expanding the research to further improve household sanitation and reduce foodborne illness.
Goodwin's successful SAE project was recognized at the 2025 Texas FFA State Convention as a Star Greenhand Agriscience.
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