Team Members

Meet the Team

The CERRI team combines scientific research, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and community-driven learning to better understand and protect the lands, waters, and ecosystems of Chisasibi. Together, our staff and collaborators work across disciplines to advance sustainable agriculture, environmental monitoring, and Cree-led research.

Marine Biologist

Dante Torio

Dr. Dante Torio is a marine scientist and program architect with over 15 years of experience in coastal and marine systems research across North America, Europe, and Asia. He currently serves as Lead Scientist at the Chisasibi Eeyou Resource and Research Institute (CERRI), where he designs and leads Indigenous-led research programs that braid Western science with Indigenous knowledge using operational Two-Eyed Seeing frameworks. His work focuses on translating environmental data into useful insights that supports stewardship, restoration, and long-term decision-making in Indigenous coastal territories.

Sustainability Specialist

Jason Stevens

Project Manager - Waterfowl Enhancement

Peter House

Peter joined CERRI in July 2023 and leads its waterfowl enhancement research, supporting the return of geese and ducks to coastal traplines. His work is deeply rooted in Traditional Knowledge passed down from his father, who learned from his father, and shaped by a lifetime spent on the land. Focused on vegetation health and habitat restoration, Peter understands the close connection between healthy ecosystems, waterfowl, and Cree land use. Passionate about hunting and trapping, he enjoys sharing his knowledge and teaching others about his trapline, seasonal changes, and caring for the land.

Agriculture Researcher

Preston Sam

Preston Sam is an agriculture research assistant, co-researcher, and social media manager at CERRI. He helps lead the community’s greenhouse and agriculture projects, focusing on learning, teaching, and growing food in the North. Preston is passionate about bringing people together through hands-on learning and continues to grow in this field as a young researcher.

Marine Biologist Research Assistant

Chloe Coombs

Chloe joined CERRI in May 2025 after earning a BSc in Marine Biology and Psychology from Dalhousie University. She brings experience in marine ecosystem research from the Bay of Fundy and supports community-driven work at CERRI focused on eelgrass restoration and coastal cumulative effects. Chloe values learning from Elders and knowledge holders and is committed to bridging Traditional Knowledge and Western science to support healthy, resilient coastal ecosystems.