The Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health at the University of California, Irvine, is celebrating a record-breaking graduation of 28 doctoral students this year, marking a significant increase from 21 last year. This cohort, often referred to as the 'COVID cohort', began their studies during the pandemic, which has profoundly influenced their training and ambitions. Vice Dean Scott Bartell attributes this achievement to strategic investments in faculty and research since the arrival of founding Dean Bernadette Boden-Albala in 2019. Despite the challenges posed by tightening research funding, the school continues to attract students eager to make a difference in public health. Graduates like Gaëlle Sehi and Sepideh Ferdos are tackling pressing issues such as mosquito-borne diseases and diabetes, respectively, with an emphasis on real-world impact. The need for highly trained public health researchers is critical as California and the nation confront evolving health threats, making this record-setting cohort essential for future advancements in public health.