Meet the Expert: Danielle Hammond-Krueger

Danielle Hammond-Krueger, MPH, RD, LD, is an Extension Program Specialist in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. To get to know Danielle, we asked her a few questions.

Tell us something interesting about yourself.
An interesting fact about me is I played piano and violin for 10 years and was first chair in my orchestra, but I cannot read music. I would have someone else play the music or listen to a pre-recorded version as a way to learn the score. My mother bought violin lessons hoping I would learn to read sheet music, but I would have my instructor play the music for me then practice afterward to get it down! I don’t think my mother has forgiven me to this day!

If you could have one superpower what would it be?
What a question! If I could have any superpower, I think it would have to be the power of encouragement. We have a lot of students come through our offices and time and time again I see the lack of confidence and encouragement they have in their careers and self. I think at some point in time we all need encouragement and confidence in our work, friends, life and self.   Being able to give those who need true encouragement would be a very gratifying superpower!

What’s the last good book you read?
I enjoy reading various types of books but I re-read Mansfield Park and love this classic novel. Truthfully though, the last book I read was The Gruffalo and I have to say it was a good, humorous, and entertaining read for me and my friend’s children!

What are three words that best describe you?
Passionate, humorous and sensible.
What do you like to do in your free time?
During my free time, I enjoy working in our garden. In Texas we are blessed to have a 10-month growing season, so fresh produce is a great perk. Also, my husband and I love to be outdoors, so when we are not gardening we spend time fishing, camping, and seeing nature.

What are you currently working on?
Currently, I am working on putting together nutrition educational videos, health promotional messages for social media engagement, and developing chronic disease-related nutrition curriculums.