Elissa Rand is graduate of Miami University with degree in Environmental Studies. She has worked on several bird conservation projects with the Student Conservation Association in California and Oklahoma, including nest monitoring of endangered Least Tern.

Elissa moved back to Columbus and has been working for Scotts Miracle-Gro for almost 6 years in Biology Research and Development. She has been involved with Columbus Audubon and the Grange Insurance Audubon Center since 2014, working at Audubon Adventure Camp, helping pilot the Audubon at Home backyard habitat program, and helping lead and coordinate the Columbus Audubon Birdwatching for Beginners hikes.