Having done both ISPs in research, Gen Chem and beginning research in neuro-physiology in a capacity as a research assistant the best way is to find a professor who shares your interests. I'm in the honors program and I receive funding to do an honors thesis which I will use in Gen Chem and my neuro-phys work is NIH funded via a grant to my PI. I received this because in the case of the first one I was friendly with the professor and he took me under his wing. In the other case there was a university wide competition for the spot and an interview. To have the best chance to get these positions A) talk to professors B) start somewhere, I landed the second position due to my prior research experience C) Maintain a strong GPA, again that landed me the neuro-phys spot D) Be well read and able to interview. I am lucky I have a lot of autonomy in lab and on the second project I receive a decent salary. I'm expected to get published in both and have great departmental support. However, I'm at an advantage as there is no chem major or graduate level courses and no neuro-science PhD or DO/PhDs. My suggestion is to look at people in the field you're interested in and make a concerted effort to get to know them. Also seek autonomy in the lab. I have 0 scut work in lab. I'm there to do research work, I'm not there to clean glassware, you should look for the same. Also find someone you can get along with and who is well respected in their field as well as settled in to the university. Ask if they will list you as at least second author or as the author if they plan to submit work also ask about conference attendance. I'm fortunate in this although it is demanding and it eats up a lot of free time.