Being active seems like the thing to do on a site with such options. I hear the gathering is going to be around the colorado area this coming year. I wanted to do the same kinda research goob, thought it would be cool to get some grants for the project, make it legite ya know?
As for being active, perhaps you should come to a local open event and meet some folks. That's generally the thing to do.
(pssst... reply in my journal, otherwise i won't see it. that's the way it's done here.)