How SDSU set the Stage for Alumnus’ Biotech Success

Drawn to San Diego State University’s campus for its size and opportunities, chemistry alumnus Matt D'Onofrio (‘92) quickly discovered a community that would help shape his future.

From playing tuba in the SDSU marching band to making lifelong friends in his residence hall and having leadership roles in the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and other clubs, D'Onofrio's SDSU experiences are something he still values over 30 years later. Building off his SDSU foundation, D'Onofrio dove into the life sciences industry upon graduating with sales and strategy roles for a global pharmaceutical company. He credits SDSU for instilling both the scientific curiosity and the communication skills that allowed him to bridge science and business.

In 2007, D'Onofrio co-founded Evoke Pharma in north San Diego, a company focused on treatments for gastrointestinal disease. In 2013, the company completed an IPO on the Nasdaq. In 2020, their first product was approved by FDA.

To him, the most rewarding part of it all is the patient stories and the team building, reminders of the tangible impact their work makes. Passionate about the future of life sciences, he praises SDSU’s role in preparing the next generation of chemists and biologists who are vital to the field, especially to the local San Diego biotech industry, and hopes more SDSU graduates can join the rewarding and exciting life sciences community.