Kalliat ”KT” Valsaraj has been named the associate vice chancellor for the Office of Research and Economic Development, according to a news release Friday.   “I am looking forward to joining the ORED staff to advance the LSU Flagship Agenda in the areas of research and economic development, “ Valsaraj said in the release. “I consider this as an opportunity to help faculty at LSU in furthering their research agenda and also to set up priorities in areas that will benefit the state of Louisiana.”   Valsaraj has served as chair of the Cain Department of Chemical Engineering since  2005. He is the Charles and Hilda Roddey Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering and also holds the Ike East Professorship in Chemical Engineering.