John Montroll

John Montroll, born in 1960, is an American artist, educator, and mathematician recognized for his contributions to origami. He is a proponent of the single-square, no-cut, no-glue method of paper folding. Montroll dedicated many years to teaching mathematics, including an origami class, at St. Anselm's Abbey School in Washington, D.C., retiring in 2021.

His interest in origami began at a young age, leading him to publish his first book in 1979. This early work was significant for establishing the single-square folding principle in published origami guides and introduced terms like the "double rabbit ear fold" and the "dog base." Montroll holds multiple degrees in mathematics and electrical engineering. Beyond his artistic and academic pursuits, he also has a notable hobby of whistling, claiming a wide vocal range.

Montroll has authored numerous books on origami, covering a wide range of subjects from animals and sea life to polyhedra and holiday themes. His work has been acknowledged in literary contexts, such as a mention in Laura Ruby's York series. He continues to be an influential figure in the origami community.

John Montroll significantly influenced modern origami with his foundational book, "Origami for the Enthusiast," published in 1979. This publication was groundbreaking as it exclusively featured models folded from a single, uncut square of paper, a method that became a hallmark of his approach. Within this work, Montroll introduced specific terminology to the origami world, including the "double rabbit ear fold" and the widely recognized "dog base." His commitment to this purist method has guided his extensive body of work and teaching, emphasizing elegance and simplicity in paper transformation. This dedication to the single-square, no-cut, no-glue principle has made his books a go-to resource for those seeking to learn origami in its most accessible form.

Born in Washington, D.C., John Montroll's intellectual journey is marked by a strong foundation in mathematics and engineering. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from the University of Rochester, followed by two Master of Arts degrees, one in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan and another in Applied Mathematics from the University of Maryland. His father, Elliott Waters Montroll, was also a notable scientist and mathematician. Montroll applied his expertise by teaching mathematics at St. Anselm's Abbey School for over three decades, from 1990 to 2021, where he also shared his passion for origami through dedicated classes. This blend of rigorous academic training and artistic practice informs his unique perspective on the mathematical beauty inherent in origami.

Montroll's fascination with origami began at the remarkably young age of six, when he first mastered a book by Isao Honda and started creating his own paper animals. By twelve, he was a member of the Origami Center of America, and by fourteen, he was attending origami conventions. This early and sustained engagement with the art form laid the groundwork for his later career as an influential author and teacher. His contributions to origami have been recognized, with his work being briefly noted in the York series by author Laura Ruby. In addition to his artistic and academic achievements, Montroll possesses a unique personal talent for whistling, which he claims to perform across five octaves and has showcased at whistling conventions.