How can I start doing independent research?

<p>I have been with the same lab group for one and a half years. During this time, I have primarily done "projects" involving little effort; I prepare solutions, take measurements (I don't want to tell the specifics of my projects because I don't want to give away my identity), and obtain physical parameters based on my data. The work is somewhat relevant to the goals of the research group.</p>

<p>I don't think I can publish anything substantial with what I have done so far (it feels more like following directions from a science lab manual than original research). How can I start doing something more substantial? Am I being unappreciative? Won't I need published papers by the time of graduate school? </p>

<p>Does you professor ever give you your own project? I am just working under my graduate student, helping him with his project. Do undergraduates commonly have real, original research that is not in collaboration with a graduate student. </p>

<p>Does anyone have any previous experiences? How did you approach your professor? I rarely even talk to my research adviser and communicate primarily with the grad student.</p>

<p>Yes, plenty of students do their own projects. You need to talk to the PI about a possible direction.</p>