Northwestern mourns the passing of Peter Salvino

Northwestern University is deeply saddened to share that Peter Salvino, a third-year Interdepartmental Neuroscience (NUIN) student who went missing early Sunday morning and was found and identified Tuesday evening, has passed away. Our most heartfelt condolences go out to Salvino’s family, friends and all those grieving this terrible loss. 

Salvino was a graduate research assistant in the laboratory of Dr. Lucas Pinto, where he worked alongside others to understand how neural circuits across many brain areas interact to support decision making. Salvino is described by his colleagues as effortlessly brilliant, kind, humble and generous with his time and intellect.

“My heart goes out to Peter’s family and his many, many friends,” Pinto said. “This is an incalculable loss. All of us who knew Peter know how effortlessly brilliant he was. But what we will truly miss is his endless kindness, humbleness and generosity with his time and intellect. And of course his understated dry humor.

“He was universally loved by our team and will leave an indelible mark. My grief is immense. But it is surpassed by my gratitude for getting to know him, work with him and share in his contagious enthusiasm for science. We will really miss you, Peter,” Pinto said.

As grief impacts us all in different ways, we have a variety of University resources available for you, and we encourage you to reach out if you are in need of support.

• During the Winter Recess, TimelyCare is available to all students as a 24/7 resource to free virtual mental health support, including scheduled counseling and on-demand access to a mental health practitioner.
• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers similar support for faculty, staff, and postdoctoral trainees with 24/7 access to care advocates, short-term counseling and text therapy.
• After the Winter Recess, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is another resource for students. Students can find additional services and resources at NUhelp or through the Dean of Students Office.
• All members of the Northwestern community can access Religious and Spiritual Life, where chaplains are available to talk confidentially and provide support.