Ms Horton is a petroleum geologist with background in exploration and development of major oil and gas projects working as a consultant for oil and gas companies. Over her 31 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, she has been associated with independent geologists.

Upon graduation, Ms Horton worked for Dudley Hughes, an independent geologist, in Jackson, Mississippi, from 1977 to 1986. During that time, she gained broad experience in the Mississippi-Alabama Salt Basin, Black Warrior Basin in north Mississippi and northwest Alabama, and south Florida.

Ms Horton is also an active member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologist and the Shreveport Geological Society in Louisiana.