a little behind on research

hi y’all, i’m an upcoming freshman in public health on the pre-med route. to put it shortly, i know there are built-in research opportunities for freshmen like FRI, but i didn’t apply back in march because i was almost 100% sure i wouldn’t be coming here. (thank god i am 🤘). i know there’s a spring waitlist available, but from what i’ve heard, getting off of it sounds pretty impossible. either way, i’ll apply.

a lot of my pre-med friends were accepted or have research already provided by their programs. i feel a little behind. one on side, i don’t want to do research that i don’t resonate with; i want to be familiar with the professor or their work so i can genuinely feel connected to what i’ll be doing. however, i know that’s wishful thinking. i just don’t know where to look, how to start, who to talk to. maybe i’m too far ahead of myself? if you have any advice or suggestions— or even if you wanna be realistic and tell me i’m cooked— i’d appreciate it. thank you!