FIRST II is a National Dissemination Project funded by the National Science Foundation to provide opportunities for present and future faculty nationwide to improve their science teaching. Focused at biological field stations and marine laboratories, teams of scientists interact in a supportive environment where teaching and learning can be fully integrated into their professional culture. Faculty learn instructional practices that help them excel in teaching, which ultimately improves learning by undergraduate students. LUMCON is one of eight field stations that serve as regional centers for faculty development. For more information about the national program, plese visit the FIRST II website.