Connetquot High School student Zayr Habeeb has been recognized by the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium for his outstanding independent research project: the creation of an innovative medical chatbot designed to support patients with medical inquiries.

Developed using the Python coding language, Zayr’s chatbot allows users to ask questions such as, “What are the side effects of my medication?” A more advanced version of the program enables users to upload a medical history PDF and receive context-based answers. Zayr is currently developing a beta version capable of analyzing X-ray images.

The idea for the chatbot emerged from Zayr’s participation in the Carter Lab mentorship program, where his knowledge of coding sparked the idea for the creation of the chatbot. Zayr also took AP Computer Science Principles at Connetquot High School and a college-level course through Adelphi University to further his expertise in coding.

I am so proud of Zayr and all of our students who share a passion for technology—whether it’s programming, infrastructure or anything in between,” Director of Instructional Technology Elizabeth Weis said. “Zayr will be one of six students participating in this summer’s IT internship with our Connetquot IT team. This opportunity will provide him and his peers with valuable, real-world technical knowledge and hands-on experience in an educational setting. We’re excited to help nurture the next generation of tech leaders right here in our district.

Director of Science, FACS and Technology Education Stephanie Burns added, “Zayr's desire to develop a chatbot that would help fellow people in navigating the future of health infrastructure lends a human touch to what often seems to be the inhuman interaction with technologies that people currently experience.

Date Added: 6/11/2025