Police in Illinois are searching for a Northwestern University professor who reportedly vanished without a trace Monday morning.

The Evanston Police Department reports that Nina Kraus, a professor specializing in neurobiology and otolaryngology at Northwestern’s School of Communication, was last observed on the morning of September 1. She was seen departing her residence on the 1500 block of Ashland Avenue in Evanston at approximately 9 a.m.

“She left home this morning on her own, didn’t take her phone with her,” her son, Mikey Perkins, told the Evanston RoundTable,

FOX 32 Chicago reports that Kraus left home for a morning walk and never returned.

Kraus is characterized as a white female, standing 5 feet, 2 inches, and weighing about 140 pounds. She has long silver hair, brown eyes, and was last spotted wearing a windbreaker and long pants.

“The University remains optimistic that with the community’s assistance, we can locate Professor Kraus and ensure her wellbeing,” read a statement from Northwestern, published by Northwestern Now.

Police added that she has a “very fit” appearance.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Evanston Police Department at 847-866-5000.

[Feature Photo via Northwestern University]