<p>So, as polarscribe mentioned, I did mean something different in my reply in the previous thread. :)</p>
<p>I’m also not convinced that “doing one’s own research” in this context is terribly important. It can certainly be a plus, but I don’t see any harm in being part of a larger project. It’s a great way to learn from people who are more experienced than you and a great way to learn how to work as part of a research team. Additionally, you can still get excellent recommendations and publications. You won’t be first author on a publication but if you do a significant amount of the work, it’s certainly possibly to be a co-first author or 2nd/3rd. </p>
<p>As for getting your own project as an undergrad, the “easiest” way is probably to approach professors and ask if they have any projects lying around that they would let you work on. Another way would be to work on another project with a prof or grad student for a while, showing them that you are responsible and mature and can do good research, and then transitioning into working on your own projects.</p>