Computing Celebrates Database Systems Pioneer's Storied Career

The first faculty member hired following the creation of the College of Computing in 1990 is being honored with a signature speakers’ series.

Following a distinguished and impactful career, leading database systems pioneer and College of Computing Hall of Fame Member Shamkant Navathe retired last semester after 34 years at Georgia Tech.

The Shamkant B. Navathe Distinguished Lecture Series was announced during a celebration honoring Navathe’s 50 years in academia. The annual speaking speakers’ series will be hosted by the College of Computing and is expected to feature scientists, industrialists, and others working on leading-edge computing research and technology.

Colleagues, students, and others joined Navathe and his family for his retirement luncheon on Nov. 15. Dean of Computing Vivek Sarkar hosted the event, which included remarks from the dean and others from the School of Computer Science (SCS) who have worked closely with Navathe.

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Assistant Professor Kexin Rong, a member of the Georgia Tech database group, admired Navathe as a mentor and teacher.

“I’ve come to appreciate the unique perspective that Sham brought to teaching the history of databases,” said Rong, who recently began teaching CS4440: Emerging Database Technology, one of Navathe’s former courses.

“When Sham taught this subject, he wasn't merely recounting historical events – he was sharing firsthand experiences and personal interactions with renowned researchers, as he is an integral part of that rich history. His legacy sets a standard of excellence that will continue to inspire us all,” said Rong.

Navathe’s daughter Manisha, a Georgia Tech alumna and practicing pediatrician, and his son Amol, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania in medicine and business, also spoke at the retirement celebration.

Beginnings at Tech

Navathe, who has published over 200 peer-reviewed research papers, earned his Ph.D. in industrial engineering from the University of Michigan before starting his first academic role at New York University.

At NYU, Navathe was on the faculty of the School of Business, where he was a part of the Department of Computer Applications and Information Systems, which pioneered the introduction of databases and information systems in the business school curriculum.

Navathe then became a professor at the University of Florida, where he began developing his textbook and played an instrumental role in creating a robust database group.

Navathe credits Bob Fulton, a mechanical engineering professor at Georgia Tech, with convincing him to move to Atlanta and join the Institute. Navathe and Fulton had met at several manufacturing and mechanical design conferences.

“He is the one who was instrumental in bringing me here to start a database group. He even offered me a joint appointment in mechanical engineering, which I graciously denied,” Navathe said.

“Thus, I became the first hire at the College of Computing, along with Dean Peter Freeman, in 1990.”

A Groundbreaking Textbook

One of Navathe’s most significant accomplishments is his textbook Fundamentals of Database Systems.

Navathe and his coauthor Ramez Elmasri, saw a need for a comprehensive textbook on database systems. Their book was published in 1989.

While the book wasn’t readily available in other countries at first, they began publishing an international edition around 2009, causing the book to explode in popularity. Now available in 12 languages and in its seventh edition, the book is still considered the world’s leading database textbook.

A Lifelong Love of Learning

Navathe’s grandfather was a teacher, and he says the value of teaching and education was instilled in him from a young age. This is one of the reasons he decided to pursue an academic career, and he said he has most enjoyed the teaching aspect.

Navathe said his interactions with students and those with colleagues are what he will miss most about Georgia Tech.

“I have enjoyed teaching and being with the students. That has kept me thinking and has always given me a fresh outlook on life. That’s why I think I’ve kept going without considering retiring,” Navathe said.

Navathe hopes to spend more time with his family during his retirement. Avid travelers, he and his wife have visited around 40 countries so far, and they plan to continue traveling and learning about other cultures.

Navathe also plans to continue his education by learning new languages and studying other computing fields.

“I will remain like a student,” he said.