Student creates app that predicts snow days


Imagine being able to predict whether or not a snow day is on the horizon with the touch of a button? Fifth-year Software Engineering and Management student Joe Crozier has made it possible by creating a free app, appropriately called The Snowday App.

Utilizing an algorithm Joe wrote that also uses weather data from the location a user enters to make a prediction, the app shares the likelihood of a snow day for the following day. For example, on the eve of the second snow day in two weeks in Hamilton, the app indicated there was a medium to high chance of a snow day for Tuesday, February 12. Since its launch in 2012, the app has received approximately 250,000 downloads.

The inspiration behind The Snowday App stems from Joe’s childhood in Collingwood, which tends to see higher levels of snow days due to its climate.

“The app really sparked my love of programming and iOS development,” says Joe. “I was known as ‘The Snowday App kid.’ It solidified my identity as someone who makes apps.”

Along with its prediction, The Snowday App includes witty messages to soften the blow of snow day hopefuls, such as “You should finish that assignment” and “Sorry to hear about that. Really.”

Joe says pursuing his degree at McMaster allowed him nurture his entrepreneurial spirit through classes, co-ops and pitch competitions. He was also the president of the formerly known McMaster Entrepreneurship Association, which is now part of The Forge.

“There’s a strong entrepreneurial culture at McMaster,” says Joe. “My time at the University has really allowed me to pursue my passion and opened me to opportunities I wouldn’t have had elsewhere.”

After he graduates this spring, Joe plans to work for Flybits, a start-up software as a service company in Toronto, where he will be working on a mobile app framework for delivering  micro-personalized customer experiences. His latest project, Dolyst, is a free iOS, Android and web platform for publishing, joining and sharing lists of fun things to do, such as 10 Best Coffee Shops in Hamilton, Hamilton Waterfall Hikes and Great Sightseeing Spots in Collingwood. Working in collaboration on a co-op with David Carter, the executive director of Innovation Factory, the app soft-launched in January with an updated version coming soon.

In January McMaster Security Services has launched a new mobile app that provides both important safety alerts, including inclement weather closure information, and access to campus safety resources. The app is available for free on the Apple App Store and on Google Play.

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