Bishop Canevin unveils Nick Sinagra Innovation Center

Bishop Canevin High School on March 9 held a grand opening of its Nick Sinagra Innovation Center. Named after former Canevin Director of Technology, the center is the focus of all STEAM learning, robotics and engineering courses taken as electives by sophomore-senior students.

According to a news release, the facilities, which contain state-of-the-art CAD design and fabrication work stations as well as CNC engraving equipment and 3D printers, enable students to complete all aspects of project-based assignments, from conceptual design to prototype to finalization, for local and national competitions and enrichment purposes.

“I chose Canevin for its inclusion policies which allowed me, a student in a wheelchair, to participate as a member of Student Council, a staff writer for the Leonid (the school newspaper), a camera operator for the BCTV News, and even percussionist in the Crusader Marching and Concert Bands,” said Sinagra, class of 2002, in the release.

Sinagra was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at 17 months old. The genetic disease affects the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and voluntary muscle movement (skeletal muscle).

Encouraged by his parents, siblings and Canevin teachers, he went on to graduate from Duquesne University Magna Cum Laude in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in multimedia arts and a master’s in media arts and technology in 2008.

He additionally has completed projects for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Brandmill, Inc., and Allegheny Health Network, and, in 2008, was the executive producer of the two-time award-winning documentary entitled “The ALT Project,” currently available on YouTube.

“Nick’s knowledge of technology is superior to anyone I’ve encountered,” said Chuck Rakaczky, class of 2018 who was one of many former students who came back for the unveiling.

According to the news release, Sinagra is currently the Director of Technology at pathVu, a Pittsburgh company that is part of a growing field of researchers and advocates with the mission of enabling independent mobility for all pedestrians.