Amy Elspeth Engelbrecht-Wiggans

It is with an immensely heavy heart that we share that Dr. Amy Engelbrecht-Wiggans passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 4, 2025.

Dr. Engelbrecht-Wiggans joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2021 as an Assistant Professor. She was highly regarded in the classroom with a reputation for her student-centered approach to teaching. She inspired bachelors, masters, and Ph.D. students through tireless advising and mentorship in her research laboratory and the materials science teaching lab. Dr. Engelbrecht-Wiggans was an accomplished researcher in the field of unidirectional composite failure. She was known for inspiring excellence while maintaining a fun and supportive laboratory environment. In 2024 she received the prestigious National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award; the first mechanical engineering professor at RIT to do so. She was a co-advisor to Pi Tau Sigma, the International Honor Society for Mechanical Engineers. She will forever be fondly remembered for knitting socks when attending meetings. When asked about it, she would state that idle hands are a waste of time, and she could “hear” better while knitting. Dr. Engelbrecht-Wiggans was a leader and mentor in academia and to those who were lucky enough to know her, she was a friend and a valued colleague. She leaves behind a legacy of professional excellence, kindness, and concern for others.

Amy was predeceased by her brother Alan. She is survived by her loving husband Andy Poshadel, father Richard, mother Beth, and sister Emily.

Two celebrations of life are planned for Amy - one held in Ithaca, NY on April 12, and one in Rochester, NY.

The Rochester celebration will be held on Tuesday, April 22nd at the First Universalist Church of Rochester, 150 South Clinton Avenue. Parking is available in the Court Street Garage. Please enter through the small red door at the back of the church. There will be drop-in visitation in the lounge from 5pm-7pm, and a service in the sanctuary from 7pm-8pm. As with the Ithaca ceremony, attendees are encouraged to wear clothing with a splash of color.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations instead be sent to either the YWCA of Rochester & Monroe County or to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester.