She received her degree in Media Arts in 1997 from the University of New Mexico (one of the first two graduates of the program) and has worked as a professional videographer, writer and editor for over thirteen years. Her screenplay, The Backroad, was one of the first 10 finalists at the Flicks on 66 Digital Shootout (now Duke City Shootout), in 2000. The film, which was shot and edited in six days, was awarded the Student Spirit Award at the Indian Summer Film Festival in 2003. Emerson, who also directed The Last Trek, has showcased her films around the country with her latest film A Return Home being funded through the All Roads Film Project and New Mexico Governor’s Cup Short Documentary Competition in 2007.