Getting started with research

To all the research savvy folks on here,

I really want to start an ortho-related research project, but I've never done any research before. I'm starting second year in a few weeks, and I know I'll be busy as hell once that starts, but I'd still like to at least get started on something during the semester and maybe be able to hammer it during the 3 weeks I have off in December (or at least make a substantial dent in the project). I have a handful of ideas for topics, and I'm actually looking forward to the prospect of making this a reality. Ultimately, I'd like to get my work published and possibly presented at a scientific meeting (yeah, I know... a little lofty for my first time, but I really want to make this thing count).

Also of note]

It's not lofty- you just have to find the right mentor and the right project. Specifically, find someone that is productive (pubmed them and see how many papers they put out per year) and is approachable so you can get help along the way. Also, don't jump into a project that is a fishing expedition (just casting the lure out and seeing if anything bites), but rather a derivation of a previous study so the concept and methods are already worked out, or something that is direct, simple, and easy to do. I Had my first year research published, presented at a conference, my data used on other studies, and even given some other projects to work on during second year. It all comes down to the mentor and your ability to get sh!t done.

DO NOT COMMIT TO A MENTOR OR PROJECT UNTIL YOU'RE 100% SURE AND HAVE EXPLORED ALL YOUR OPTIONS.

"orthoftw" ... wreaks of videogamer- WoW if I was to guess. You should probably give that up before taking on a research project ;-)