UC Irvine has a great undergraduate research program, called Bio199, through which undergraduate can work in research labs. The Striedter lab typically works with 3-5 such 199 students. The availability of these positions flucuates, as it depends on who graduates when, etc. If you are interested in joining the Striedter lab, please send Dr. Striedter an e-mail. Here is a picture one previous 199 student, Lian, having a bit of fun.
And, here's Johnny, and below him Alexis. Yes, Irvine is near the ocean.... though not that near...