Mother Makes Heartfelt Plea for Safe Return of Her ‘Extremely Vulnerable’ Daughter Missing for 4 Days

Nina Kraus, a beloved 72-year-old professor of neurobiology and otolaryngology at Northwestern University's School of Communication, vanished on Labor Day after leaving her Evanston home for a morning walk. The devoted academic, who is also a scientist, inventor, and amateur musician, has become the focus of an urgent search led by local police and the university community aiming to ensure her safe return.

The Morning Nina Kraus Went Missing

On Monday around 9 a.m., Kraus departed from her residence in the 1500 block of Ashland Avenue, dressed in long pants and a windbreaker, carrying a dark backpack but leaving her cellphone behind. Her family became worried after hours passed without her returning and promptly reported her missing, triggering a swift response by the Evanston Police Department alongside assistance from Northwestern’s own police.

A Distinguished Academic Legacy

Professor Kraus is internationally recognized for her pioneering research on how the brain processes sound, cognition, and auditory learning. She authored the acclaimed 2022 book Of Sound Mind and leads Northwestern's Hugh Knowles Center, where her work bridges neuroscience and communication sciences. Her contributions have affected fields ranging from education to hearing science, making her disappearance especially concerning to the academic community.

Search Efforts Intensify

Authorities have deployed drones to scour natural areas where Kraus frequently enjoyed spending time, including lakefront parks near Evanston. Police spokesperson Commander Ryan Glew explained that the precision tools help in covering difficult terrain like rocky shorelines. Both Evanston and Wilmette police agencies have joined forces in the search, canvassing camera footage and following up on numerous public tips.

Community and University's Response

Northwestern University released a public statement expressing deep concern and urging the community to assist in finding Professor Kraus. Social media posts from students and colleagues reflect the profound impact she has had on many lives, describing her as "brilliant," "passionate," and "inspirational." Her son, Mikey Perkins, has also been actively involved in coordinating the search, appealing for any information about her whereabouts.

Ongoing Investigation and Hope

As of now, no foul play is suspected, but Kraus’s sudden disappearance without her phone has raised worries given her age and possible vulnerability. Police continue to investigate every lead diligently, hoping to locate her quickly and safely. Flyers with her description have been widely distributed, encouraging anyone with knowledge of her location to contact authorities promptly.