The CERRI Research Team
Dante Torio, PhD
Marine Biologist | Spatial Ecologist
Research Coordinator
Dante joined CERRI in 2019 after working for many summers along the eastern coast of James Bay during his post-doctorate. He is responsible for research on coastal ecology and focuses on ecosystems that support waterfowl and fish habitats. Dante collaborates with Chisasibi land-users to develop and conduct environmental monitoring and baseline studies on the territory. Dante trains young land users to use scientific instruments in the laboratory and the field and develop innovative ways to monitor ecosystems based on Cree's traditional ecological indicators.
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Adam Koperqualuk
Co-Researcher
Agriculture Researcher
Nicholas Chakapash
Piishipuishtikw (CH6 Trapline)
Co-Researcher | Remote Sensing
Lab Technician
Nicholas joined CERRI in Spring 2021 as the co-researcher from the Piishipuishtikw (CH6), his family's trapline. He is currently training on using scientific instruments and conducting environmental sampling along the James Bay coast. Nick participates in water quality analysis, plant and fish analysis, and ecosystems mapping. He is learning Javascript to analyze satellite imagery using Google Earth Engine, a cloud-computing platform. Apart from doing environmental research, Nick plays a critical role in the community by helping to analyze wastewater for COVID-19 indicators.
Jason Stevens
Co-Researcher
Environmental Sustainability Specialist
"In 2022, Jason joined the CERRI organization, where he is focused on leading environmentally sustainable projects and aiding in research to maintain environmental/nutritional health and mitigate climate change. Jason is a professional with a passion for environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with an accent on environmental sustainability and a CEGEP degree in Business Administration and Marketing. Recently, he has been dedicating more time to studying sustainable food sovereignty issues. He has a strong background in project management, training, and coaching and is committed to finding innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
Preston Sam
(CH-35 Trapline)
Co-Researcher | Wildlife Ecology
Lab Technician
Preston Sam joined CERRI at the beginning of the year of 2023 as a Co-Researcher for the (CH-35) trapline. He is currently training with CERRI on using scientific instruments to monitor the James Bay coastal environments. Preston works with Nick on the Chisasibi Wastewater Surveillance Laboratory as a Lab Technician. Preston is constantly monitoring the community's wastewater for any signs of COVID-19. Preston is trained in basic fishery science and specializes in fish otolith preparation and interpretation like Nick
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Clara Rogers
Assistant Researcher
Environmental Scientist
Clara joined CERRI in fall 2023 after completing a Bsc. Environmental Science at McGill University with a background in hands-conservation, team leadership and childcare. She is interested in empowering Indigenous peoples (especially in the fight against climate change), applying traditional knowledge in a respectful and mutually beneficial relationship with Western science, and optimizing conservation management practices. As assistant researcher for CERRI she writes independent research papers, project proposals, grant applications and more.
Preston Bobbish
LA-1(Trapline CH-27)
Groundwater Specialist
Co-Researcher | Cartographer
Preston Bobbish Joined CERRI in the Summer of 2022 as a Co-Researcher for the LA-1(Trapline CH-27). He is currently training on using scientific instruments and conducting environmental sampling along the James Bay coast. Preston has participated in a expedition with the National Geographic out on the Bay to watch and work with a team of scientist and see how they operate in a small confined ice-breaker. Preston specializes in Hydrogeology within the Chisasibi coastal traplines. Preston is currently focusing on where we can protect aquifers and make a map of an idea where the water travels underneath our feet and where it goes.
Peter House
Co-Researcher
Waterfowl Enhancement