Amy Engelbrecht-Wiggans Rochester NY Obituary: RIT Professor Dr. Amy Engelbrecht-Wiggans Tragically Passes Away
Rochester, NY — The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and the broader academic community are mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Dr. Amy Engelbrecht-Wiggans, an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering. Dr. Engelbrecht-Wiggans passed away on the night of April 9, 2025, in an unforeseen incident that has left her colleagues, students, and loved ones devastated.
A native of Rochester, New York, Dr. Engelbrecht-Wiggans had a profound impact on both the academic and local communities through her work, mentorship, and commitment to advancing engineering education and research.
Dr. Engelbrecht-Wiggans joined RIT in the fall of 2021, following a distinguished academic path. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics from the University of Illinois in 2011. She went on to complete her Ph.D. at Cornell University in 2017, where she continued her focus in theoretical and Applied Mechanics. Prior to joining RIT, she completed postdoctoral research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), further establishing her reputation as a meticulous and passionate researcher.
Her work at RIT focused on the long-term reliability of continuous fiber materials, with an emphasis on understanding and predicting the failure behavior of large-scale composites over time. Her research aimed to bridge the gap between laboratory-scale material testing and real-world engineering applications, with implications for critical industries such as aerospace, automotive, and civil infrastructure.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Engelbrecht-Wiggans was known as a dedicated educator, mentor, and colleague who inspired students with her intellect, empathy, and unwavering support. She played an active role in shaping the next generation of engineers, earning admiration for her thoughtful approach to teaching and her deep investment in student success. 
In a statement released by RIT, colleagues expressed their sorrow:
“Amy was not only a brilliant scholar and researcher, but a kind and thoughtful presence in our college. Her passion for teaching and dedication to her students were evident in everything she did. Her loss is a tremendous one, and she will be deeply missed.”
Details surrounding the incident are still emerging, and out of respect for the family’s privacy, RIT has stated that further information will be shared as it becomes available. Counseling services have been made available on campus for students, faculty, and staff affected by this heartbreaking loss.
Dr. Engelbrecht-Wiggans’ legacy will live on through the countless students she taught, the research she pioneered, and the lives she touched both in and outside the classroom.
If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, stress, or mental health, resources are available:
- RIT Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): rit.edu/studentaffairs/counseling
- Lifeline (Monroe County): Call 211 or text HELPLINE to 898211
- National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (available 24/7)
