‘Brilliant’ 72-Year-Old Professor Disappears After Leaving Home for a Walk

Nina Kraus, a 72-year-old distinguished professor at Northwestern University, has been reported missing after leaving her home for a morning walk in Evanston, Illinois. Known for her significant contributions to neurobiology and otolaryngology, Kraus’s sudden disappearance has sparked a community-wide search and concern among family, colleagues, and students.

The Disappearance

Professor Kraus was last seen around 9 a.m. Monday, leaving her residence in the 1500 block of Ashland Avenue for a walk. Notably, she left without her phone, a detail that has heightened worry given her age and the unexpected nature of her disappearance. Family members reported her missing after she failed to return home for several hours, prompting immediate alerts to local authorities.

Background and Academic Contributions

Kraus is a highly respected member of Northwestern’s School of Communication and holds a PhD from the university. Her pioneering work focuses on neurobiology, particularly how sound processing in the brain affects learning and communication. She has authored influential research, including the 2022 book Of Sound Mind, which explores the effects of sound on cognition and brain function. In addition to her academic roles, she is recognized as a scientist, inventor, and amateur musician.

Search Efforts Underway

The Evanston Police Department, supported by Northwestern’s police force and neighboring Wilmette authorities, has launched an intensive search operation. This includes deploying drones along lakefront and park areas—the locations where Kraus is believed to enjoy spending time. Authorities are reaching out to the community for any information that can lead to locating the professor safely.

Description and Last Known Appearance

Kraus is described as a slender woman approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing about 140 pounds, with long silver hair and brown eyes. When last seen, she wore long pants, a windbreaker, and carried a dark backpack. Her “very fit” appearance underscores her active lifestyle, which makes her sudden disappearance particularly unusual.

Community and Family Concerns

The professor’s family and Northwestern University have expressed deep concern and are appealing for public assistance. Her son, Mikey Perkins, has been actively involved in coordinating the search efforts. The university issued a statement expressing hope that community support would help locate Kraus and ensure her safety. Students and colleagues have shared messages of support and anxiety over her unexplained absence.