Frankly, your GPA might be a barrier, but it might not, so shoot your shot. Read MIT’s applying sideways. I think this can very much apply to you. Applying Sideways | MIT Admissions
We know a stellar student with outstanding science fair accolades. He could have gone anywhere (he chose Olin) and I don’t think grades would have been the deciding factor.
You haven’t mentioned finances. That might be a place to start. Luckily some of your schools meet full financial need.
Even if you were to end up at a school no one has heard of, I’m sure you will do great with your drive and what you have already accomplished. Look at where the research you are interested in is coming from and hone on in those schools. You may be surprised. Honors programs are another way to increase lab time and access to professors.
One of the things that sets you apart is that you seem to know how to bring in the funding. This is something many STEM majors are not aware of yet or don’t have the desire to get involved with. S23 had some experience in bringing in grants and it did help him get onto research teams early on.