ok, all these ideas are great, but I have one that might be most beneficial--ASK THEM!!!
Frankly, after working for 3 years at a clinic, being a part of procedures etc etc, I wanted to do something unique. I wanted to see what publishing is all about, and set forth to look for those profs that are willing to let undergrads work. AT EVERY INTERVIEW I WENT, I asked them if they would allow students to get their hands dirty, really get into the job, and hopefully get a publication out of it in the end. I was willing to bust my chops, as long as i got my name on my paper. It always worked! Asking them upfront always tells them what you hope to learn from them, and what you would like to have. We should not always be looked onto as lowly undergrads, but as scholarly people who are willing get their foot in the door, and work our asses off so we can have a head start on our career. What PI wouldn't like hearing that?? I think in situations such as these, we need to be aggressive and ask them, before we find out eventually that our work won't pay off as a co-author. The PI I work with was so impressed by what I said that he threw me into a project that I am now co-authoring. I hope this helps.
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