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

According to the Evanston Police Department, Nina Kraus, a professor of neurobiology and otolaryngology in Northwestern’s School of Communication, was last seen September 1, leaving her home in the 1500 block of Ashland Avenue in Evanston, at around 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 described as a white female who stands 5 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs around 140 pounds. She has long silver hair, brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a windbreaker and long pants.

“The University is hopeful that with the community’s help, we can find Professor Kraus and assure her safety,” Northwestern said in a statement 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]