Our Team
Office of Sustainability Staff

Dedee DeLongpré Johnston
Vice President for Sustainability, Chief Sustainability Officer, and Chief of Staff to the EVP/CFO
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Dedee DeLongpré Johnston founded the Office of Sustainability in 2009 and has enjoyed working with students, faculty, and staff colleagues over the years to develop and implement the sustainable organizational strategy that resulted in a STARS Gold rating in 2018. DeLongpré Johnston also led the Human Resources function at the university from April 2020 to January 2024. She has taught a range of undergraduate and graduate courses in leadership and sustainability at Wake Forest and at the University of Florida, where she led the first campuswide office of sustainability. She holds a BS in business administration from the University of Southern California with a concentration in entrepreneurial studies and an MBA with an emphasis in sustainable management from the Presidio Graduate School. DeLongpré Johnston served on the founding board of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), Aramark’s Sustainable Sourcing Advisory Council and, closer to home, on the boards of the Piedmont Environmental Alliance, a/perture cinema, the Women’s Fund of Winston-Salem, and W-S Lacrosse.

Brian Cohen
Assistant Director, Sustainability Engagement
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In his role as Assistant Director for Sustainability Engagement, Brian Cohen works to develop current and future leaders at Wake Forest, equipping students, staff, and faculty with the skills, knowledge, experiences, and sense of empowerment needed to make impactful change. He directs the office’s student internship program, SLG (the sustainability leadership group for first-year students), and other peer leadership groups, focusing on initiatives that support climate action and engaged learning. He also facilitates operational working groups and behavior change opportunities in support of the university’s carbon neutrality goals. Brian holds a BA in environmental studies from Bucknell University and a Master’s in Environmental Management from Duke University.

Erin Hamilton
Assistant Director, Sustainability Strategy
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In her role as Assistant Director for Sustainability Strategy, Erin (Stephens) Hamilton (‘18) supports Wake Forest in reaching its sustainability goals by facilitating strategic planning and stakeholder engagement processes that integrate sustainability solutions into all areas of campus operations and culture. She works closely with campus partners to further the university’s climate action and resilience plans and leads the office’s communications strategy. Erin is an alumna of Wake Forest, where she received her bachelor’s degree in communication with minors in journalism and entrepreneurship. She first joined the Office of Sustainability team as the Communications & Event Coordinator from 2018 – 2020. She then became a producer for interview-based podcasts covering international freshwater issues and Indigenous health affairs for First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities across Canada. Now back home in North Carolina and at her alma mater, Erin is excited to lead the strategic direction for sustainability at Wake Forest in collaboration with partners across campus.

Krista Stump
Engaged and Experiential Learning for Sustainability Manager
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Krista Stump is the Engaged and Experiential Learning for Sustainability Manager. In this role, she facilitates opportunities for faculty of all ranks and disciplines to develop campus-based interdisciplinary problem-based learning opportunities. Krista connects faculty, students, and campus partners to sustainability challenges on campus with the goal of fostering complex systems thinking and interdisciplinary problem solving skills among students. She comes to Wake Forest with 5 years of experience at the University of Florida as a Natural Resources Extension Faculty member in Osceola County, FL. In this role she developed curricula and taught sustainability education programs including workshops, seminars, videos, fact sheets, articles, and exhibits to community members of all ages. Krista received her BS in chemical engineering and her Master’s in environmental and ecological engineering from Purdue University.

Jay Sauerman
Communications and Events Coordinator
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Jay Sauerman is the Communications & Events Coordinator for the Office of Sustainability and Human Resources. In her role with the OoS, Jay provides support for the planning, development, and execution of campus-wide sustainability events, internal and external communications, and social media strategies. Jay first joined Wake Forest in 2021 as the Marketing Manager for 88.5 WFDD, and she actively volunteers on-campus and in the Winston-Salem community as the Marketing Chair for WFQ, Wake Forest University’s Queer Affinity Group. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Susquehanna University, with dual degrees in Creative Writing and Editing & Publishing.

Sarah Rodgers
Outdoor Learning Spaces Coordinator
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Sarah Rodgers is the Outdoor Learning Spaces Coordinator for the Office of Sustainability. In this role, Sarah works in close collaboration with campus partners and subject matter experts to develop spaces for sustainability-focused learning on Wake Forest’s campus. Drawing on her horticultural knowledge and experience, Sarah maintains existing learning spaces, such as the Campus Garden, and works with faculty and staff partners to develop new outdoor spaces that offer opportunities for campus-based learning, engagement, and research for sustainability. Sarah moved to Winston-Salem from Missoula, Montana, where she was a school garden manager and farm-based educator. She earned a BA in environmental studies from Saint Michael’s College, where she focused on justice and sustainability, and a master’s in environmental studies from the University of Montana.
Student Interns

Anna Beim (’25)
Alternative Transportation Intern
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Hometown: Basking Ridge, NJ
Majors: Environment and Sustainability Studies, English | Minor: Italian Studies
Fun fact: I love learning/trying new things! I’m currently learning to speak Italian and how to skateboard.
“I am personally passionate about sustainability issues involving greenhouse gas emissions and environmental justice. I am particularly interested in ways to sustainably structure communities to reduce GHG emissions, increasing walkability/public transportation, and bringing people closer to green spaces. As an Alternative Transportation Intern, I’m very excited to focus this passion towards reducing transportation emissions on campus! Additionally, I’m very interested in environmental policies that affect these issues, and I want to incorporate environmental policy in my career path. In the future, I plan to pursue a degree in Environmental Law after graduation, working with public interest groups, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations to enforce environmental protection. I’m also interested in utilizing this law degree in the public sector to lobby for increased legislation to support the environment.”

Grace Benfield (’25)
Energy Intern
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Hometown: Wilmington, NC
Major: Engineering with a concentration in Civil and Environmental Engineering | Minor: Environmental Science
Fun Fact: I’ve run two half marathons!
“I am most passionate about renewable energy. I have always been interested in how engineering and sustainability can intertwine and, in renewable energy, there is a lot of overlap between the two. Renewable energy methods are constantly improving and providing humans with more ways to produce energy in a more sustainable manner. I am most interested in solar and wind energy but I am always excited to learn more about other types and how they can aid in a more sustainable future! I hope to one day work as a civil engineer focused on renewable energy projects helping with the design and layout of different renewable energy facilities.”

Olivia Delgado (’26)
Waste Reduction & Diversion Intern
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Hometown: Rock Hill, SC
Major: Biology | Minors: Environmental Science, Entrepreneurship, Chemistry
Fun fact: My favorite color is yellow!
“I’m particularly passionate about marshlands and composting. I plan to pursue a doctorate in marshland ecosystems and use that expertise to address climate change by sharing this knowledge with policymakers, conservationists, and communities to promote sustainable practices and policies that protect these critical environments. On the composting side, I’m fascinated by how it transforms organic waste into valuable resources. Composting not only reduces the amount of waste going to landfills but also enriches the soil, supports healthy plant growth, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Both areas reflect my interest in sustainable practices harmonizing with natural processes and supporting environmental health.”

Isabella Gerace (’25)
Dining Engagement Intern
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Hometown: Wyomissing, PA
Majors: Environment and Sustainability Studies, Spanish
Fun fact: I can walk on my hands!
“I’m particularly passionate about waste reduction and reallocation. These themes first became evident to me as a consumer of beauty and feminine products, recognizing the delicate balance of good hygiene and sustainability with the various products–many being single-use. This recognition led me to seek more opportunities in sustainability in my work and everyday life. During my time at Wake Forest, food security and sustainable dining quickly became a passion of mine. My coursework and peers influenced me towards a plant-forward diet and enlightened me about Winston-Salem’s food desert status. Campus Kitchen volunteer shifts supported my initial efforts to get involved. I strive to incorporate environmental and social sustainability in my future career and daily life, including this Dining Engagement internship!”

John Gibson (’27)
Earth Month Programming Intern
Oxshott, England
Major: Finance | Minor: Politics
Fun Fact: I love watching rugby.
“I am passionate about driving sustainability in business, particularly by integrating ESG principles into decision-making processes. I believe businesses and educational institutions have the power to influence global sustainability through their operations, supply chains, and strong influence. I am particularly interested in how organizations can reduce their carbon footprints, promote ethical sourcing, and minimize waste. By embedding sustainable practices into their strategies, companies can create long-term value for themselves and the planet. It’s exciting to see how small but intentional changes can make such a big difference within our environment and I believe we can have a future where sustainability and business thrive together.”

Sophie King (’27)
Campus Garden Intern
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Greensboro, NC
Major: Biology | Minor: Chemistry
Fun fact: I have seen every Scooby-Doo movie!
“I’m passionate about sustainability, conservation of wildlife habitats, and animal welfare. Between industrial pollution and overexploitation of natural systems, we often ignore the effects of our behaviors on nature and forget the connection between the health of our ecosystems and our own health. I believe that by fostering empathy for endangered and threatened species and supporting the protection of unique habitats, we can protect ecosystem biodiversity and health. I’ve been fascinated and involved in research and mapping bird species and nesting behaviors on campuses to understand the effects of urbanization noise on bird communication and survival. I would like to continue studying animal responses to habitat disruption.”

Owen Sawyer (’27)
SLG Student Coordinator
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Hometown: Mebane, NC
Major: Finance | Minor: Environmental Studies
Fun fact: My biggest fear is large birds.
“Growing up in rural North Carolina, sustainable agriculture has always been a passion of mine. Food is a crucial aspect of our lives, and I think ensuring that agriculture and livestock farming have sustainable futures is a very important goal to reach for the future. In my future career, I hope to be fortunate enough to join a sustainability-forward organization or company, and work towards improving industry standards in fields such as sustainable agriculture, construction, or energy production. Regardless of what I decide to do for a career, however, I will strive to always keep sustainability as a core component in my life.”

Mia Springer (’25)
Peer Education Intern
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Hometown: Lake Forest, IL
Major: Biology | Minors: Environmental Science, Journalism
Fun Fact: I am bilingual (German and English).
“I am passionate about teaching others how to practice sustainable living. The decisions and actions we make in the United States have far-reaching impacts on ecosystems across the globe. For example, the melting of Arctic sea ice is directly influenced by our behaviors and choices. Wake Forest has given me the privilege of studying biology and environmental science in diverse environments, including the Peruvian Amazon, Denmark, and Iceland. These experiences have enriched my understanding of global ecology, and I hope to take this knowledge with me to my future career and educate others on the global repercussions of our actions on biomes. Something important I learned while studying in Scandinavia is that the continued emissions of greenhouse gases are driving global warming, which in turn is destroying the habitats of Arctic marine mammals. The idea that these species mare losing their breeding grounds due to the disappearance of sea ice proves the urgent implementation of sustainable living practices.”

Jalyn Walters-Howard (’27)
Campus Garden Intern
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Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Major: Philosophy | Minor: Spanish
Fun Fact: I have been vegetarian since I was 12 years old!
“I’ve always had a passion for nature, animal welfare, and environmental conservation, which is what initially led me to the Office of Sustainability! I’m very excited to learn about the relationship between the environment and public health. As an aspiring healthcare worker, I know that these two aspects overlap and affect each other greatly, through diet, medication, and pollution, for example. Unfortunately, their connection is not always considered in their assessment. I hope to incorporate everything I learn about sustainability into my future career by widening the scope of patient evaluations and taking an environmentally-aware approach to patient care and wellbeing.”

Tehya Weaver (’26)
Sustainability Data Intern
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Hometown: Hillsborough, NC
Major: Mathematical Economics | Minor: Statistics
Fun Fact: I have been riding horses for 16 years!
“I’m passionate about transportation and climate change because I believe tackling these issues is vital for a sustainable future. I aim to promote electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, enhance public transportation, and improve infrastructure for walking and cycling. By leveraging my skills in data analytics and visualization, I want to help people understand how they can make a difference and support impactful sustainability initiatives.”

Madeline Wecker (’25)
Dining Carbon Reduction Intern
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Hometown: Wilton, CT
Major: Biology | Minors: Environmental Studies, Chemistry, Entrepreneurship
Fun fact: I’ve gone skydiving above and snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef!
“I am interested in all areas of environmental issues, but I am particularly passionate about climate change! Working with the Office of Sustainability, getting involved with local organizations, studying abroad, and taking courses in the ENV department have all boosted my interest in monitoring carbon emissions and finding solutions. I’m really fascinated by the biology and chemistry of climate change and how we can use these sciences to engineer new technologies across a range of environmental topics. For my future education and career, I want to use environmental microbiology and synthetic biology to research and create environmental solutions and mitigation strategies!”

Sidney White (’26)
Campus Garden Intern
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Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Majors: Sociology, Psychology | Minor: Classics
Fun Fact: I have a mean Sid the Sloth impression!
“I am particularly passionate about making sustainability accessible to people from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Education and information on sustainable practices are often not readily available to everyone. Working with the Office of Sustainability has allowed me to be more hands-on in making sustainability accessible in the Campus Gardens. I hope to incorporate my time with sustainability into my future career as a therapist by bettering the interpersonal communication skills I have gained from working within Wake Forest’s green spaces.”
To learn more about our internship program and see open opportunities, click here.