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This report describes an innovative research education tool for student exposure and training in immunology. Utilizing the wealth of transcriptomics data provided through the immunological genome project, graduate and undergraduate students can engage in hands-on experimental studies to identify and rigorously characterize novel genes in immune cells using RNA interference-mediated approaches. The SIFT activities are directly aligned with cell biology and immunology courses and serve to reinforce and expand on the foundations learned. Furthermore, the student-driven studies provide a sense of ownership and largely expose students to the breadth of experimental research approaches in the biological sciences. Finally, generation of original datasets supports the greater scientific community by contributing in assembly and delineation of the regulatory networks that govern immunity.