LiquiTech Welcomes Loan VanAuker as Infection Control and Prevention Epidemiologist

LOMBARD, Ill., May 10, 2023 (Newswire.com) - LiquiTech, a leading provider of sustainable water treatment and management solutions for commercial and institutional customers, announces that Loan VanAuker has joined the company as an Infection Prevention and Control Epidemiologist.   

VanAuker brings more than 15 years of experience in disease outbreak surveillance, investigations, and prevention, most recently as an Infection Prevention Practitioner at Baylor Scott & White Health Systems.  

In her role at LiquiTech, VanAuker will apply her experience in epidemiology, disease investigations, public health, and infection control and prevention to support customers on all aspects of waterborne pathogen remediation, control, and prevention. 

"We are excited to have Loan coming on board with us at LiquiTech," said David Pierre, Director of Water Safety Programs. "She has tremendous knowledge and experience in investigating, controlling, and preventing Legionella and other pathogens. We know her exceptional expertise will bring meaningful results for our current and future customers."   

VanAuker earned a Master of Science in Health Studies at the Texas Woman's University and is currently completing public health studies at Walden University to receive a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH). Her certifications include Certified in Infection Control (CIC), ASSE 12080 Legionella Water Safety and Management Specialist, American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators, and Lean Six Sigma. 

Since November 2018, VanAuker has worked as a facility epidemiology expert at Baylor Scott & White Health Systems. She served on a COVID-19 team assisting laboratory facility leaders with validation studies and leading infection prevention initiatives.  

Among her duties, VanAuker investigated hospital-associated infections and outbreaks, engaged in water management plan development and Legionella prevention, and implemented and assisted with creating policies and processes to decrease infections and ensure patient safety during surgical procedures.   

VanAuker also worked as an Epidemiologist and Influenza Surveillance Coordinator for both the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Dallas County Health and Human Services department. At the state level, she was the lead investigator for disease outbreaks and served as the subject matter expert in respiratory diseases, including Legionella, influenza, and coronaviruses. She investigated vaccine-preventable diseases, including mumps and measles outbreaks, and created influenza toolkits for long-term care facilities and schools.  

In Dallas County, VanAuker's role included investigating flu-associated deaths, administering public health programs related to community illnesses, and serving as the lead epidemiologist for foodborne illnesses and outbreaks, brucellosis outbreaks, and healthcare-associated infections, including infections from multi-drug resistant organisms. She also served as an adjunct professor for nine years, teaching epidemiology at Texas Woman's University.

"My entire career has been spent investigating disease outbreaks and developing protocols and procedures to prevent them," VanAuker said. "I'm so pleased to be joining the team at LiquiTech, and I'm excited to use my experience and deep understanding of Legionella and other pathogens to help our customers improve water and patient safety." 

About LiquiTech  
LiquiTech develops and delivers water treatment solutions for healthcare, hospitality, education, commercial, and multi-family customers. Our chemical-free, sustainable technologies are designed to improve potable water quality and eliminate waterborne pathogens without creating harmful byproducts that are unsafe for humans, plumbing systems, and the environment. For more information, please visit www.liquitech.com.  

Source: LiquiTech