Mystery deepens as esteemed University professor found hiding behind her neighbor’s house amid massive search: No sign of foul play, or dementia

In a bizarre and alarming situation, authorities found Professor Nina Kraus, a renowned neuroscientist and director of the Hugh Knowles Center at Northwestern University, alive after she disappeared for nearly 24 hours. Her disappearance and the unusual circumstances of her discovery raise questions about what happened.

Kraus was first reported missing on Monday, September 1, 2025, after leaving her home in Evanston, Illinois around 9 a.m. for what was reportedly a routine walk in the neighborhood. Notably, she left behind her cellphone, which was out of character.

Alarmed when she didn’t return home, Professor Kraus’s family, including her son Mikey Perkins, launched a search effort that spread through parks and the lakefront, places Kraus frequently visits.

At the same time, the Evanston Police Department, aided by Northwestern University Police, deployed multiple search methods: drone flights along the lakefront, K-9 search units, and an extensive canvas of the neighborhood.

Searchers found Kraus the next day

Then, on Tuesday, September 2 neighbor discovered her Kraus hidden behind dense foliage in a garden just one door down from her own home. Emergency responders quickly transported Kraus to a nearby hospital for evaluation.

Local officials have ruled out foul play. From the outset, police emphasized that there were no indications of criminal intent or force involved in the incident. Likewise, no one has publicly suggested that dementia or cognitive decline contributed to the situation.

University and family spokespersons have expressed relief and gratitude. Northwestern University released a statement thanking the community for its assistance and concern, while her son echoed that sentiment, calling for continued vigilance and hope for a full recovery.

Kraus has pioneered research in auditory neuroscience, exploring how the brain processes sound across the lifespan and in response to music, bilingualism, and clinical conditions. She holds the Hugh S. Knowles Chair and authored the acclaimed book Of Sound Mind: How Our Brain Constructs a Meaningful Sonic World.