Markus Mooslechner’s short documentary film follows the video diaries of Vanessa Andreina Garcia Diaz, an Accelerator Researcher working on the new 100km long particle accelerator (under Lake Geneva) with the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). The short is a continuation of the 6-part series titled ‘Collider Diaries’ – following on from ‘Unvarnished Diaries of a CERN Scientist’ and ‘Seek and Destroy – My Life at the Biggest Science Project Ever’. The docushort is a collection of self-taped video-diaries and interview questions to educate and inform viewers of Vanessa’s scientific career and personal life.

The 7-minute film introduces us to Vanessa from Venezuela and her experimental role in Sputtering – where plasma at high pressure is shot towards a target to eject metal atoms. These atoms are then observed. Outside of her dream job, Vanessa speaks candidly about her mother’s advice; to touch the ground with her feet whilst reaching for the stars. We witness her love of blue/turquoise in the apartment she shares with her husband, her transition to vegetarianism and Venezuelan cuisine.

‘Extreme Machines and Strange Cooking Habits’ is an insightful documentary that would not only interest and engage aspiring scientists – this is a film for everyone. Vanessa is confident in her field and her friendly persona makes for entertaining viewing. We recommend checking out the full ‘Collider Diaries’ collection on the YouTube channel.