Story by Abby Ryan
Courtesy Photo
Zaki Khan ’27 is staying ahead of the pack.
Before generative AI started making headlines, Zaki Khan ’27 was already exploring its potential.
“I started using ChatGPT before most people even knew what it was,” he says. This early curiosity led him to co-found Lehigh’s AI Club during his first year, which quickly grew to more than 150 members in just a few days. Now president of both the AI Club and the Computer Science and Business Association, Khan connects fellow students with opportunities—from hosting workshops to organizing trips to companies like Amazon, Bloomberg and Microsoft.
Khan believes the future lies in agentic AI, technology that doesn’t just respond but acts. “ChatGPT can give you a grocery list,” he explains. “Agentic AI will order the groceries for you.” He’s exploring this future through his internship at EY and a chatbot project designed to simplify how users navigate Lehigh’s website.
In addition to his on-campus roles, Khan spent two months in Germany through the Iacocca International Internship Program, working with startups on product development—an experience he calls life-changing and one he encourages every student to pursue.
Outside of tech, he finds life balance through sports and embroidery, which help him unplug and recharge. After graduation, Khan plans to work for a few years, pursue an MBA and follow his dream of launching his own startup.