Local graduate working to provide wireless internet to Super Bowl stadium, fans

Phillip Sitter, Ames Tribune
·2 min read

Fans and broadcasters at this weekend's 2023 Super Bowl in Glendale, Arizona, will have wireless connectivity due to the work of a Gilbert High School and Iowa State University graduate.

Meredith Lehmann, 27, graduated from Gilbert in 2013 and from Iowa State in 2018. As part of tech company Cisco's "Dream Team," Lehmann will help set up wireless networks that will serve the needs of everyone at the game and at the NFL's Super Bowl Experience events.

She said the experience is the result of a career change from mechanical engineering to cybersecurity and hopes it will benefit her future in the industry.

Workers prepare for the NFL Super Bowl LVII football game outside State Farm Stadium, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz.
Workers prepare for the NFL Super Bowl LVII football game outside State Farm Stadium, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz.

"This is a great networking opportunity to meet with people who build infrastructure" — no pun intended, Lehmann said.

More:Here are the Iowa connections for Chiefs, Eagles in Super Bowl LVII

She was laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic so she left the mechanical engineering industry to go back to school at Augusta Technical College in Augusta, Georgia, to pursue a networking specialist degree in information technology. She will graduate in May and is looking at working in network administration and engineering in cybersecurity.

Augusta Tech is part of Cisco's Networking Academy, which offers online and in-person education at locations around the world on topics including networking, programming, automation and cybersecurity.

The Cisco Networking Academy Dream Team gives students and recent alumni hands-on experience at large events, including the NFL's season kickoff game and Super Bowl.

Lehmann said she did not think she had great chances of being accepted when she applied upon an instructor's insistence. She jokingly told people: "At least when I get rejected ... it will be for something cool.”

But she was wrong, and on Wednesday was set to fly from Georgia to Arizona to start work.

Meredith Lehmann, a Gilbert High School and Iowa State University graduate, will be part of tech company Cisco's "Dream Team" helping to set up wireless networks that will serve the needs of people at the 2023 Super Bowl.
Meredith Lehmann, a Gilbert High School and Iowa State University graduate, will be part of tech company Cisco's "Dream Team" helping to set up wireless networks that will serve the needs of people at the 2023 Super Bowl.

Rapid fire Q&A on Lehmann's Super Bowl thoughts

Kansas City Chiefs or Philadelphia Eagles, and why?

Chiefs — Her mom is a huge Chiefs fan and someone can't go wrong cheering for what's basically Iowa's hometown team. "If only the (Minnesota) Vikings made it though, that was the ideal matchup."

Favorite Super Bowl snack?

Nacho Cheese flavored Doritos — no guacamole, queso or salsa necessary as the chips are addicting enough.

What makes a good Super Bowl commercial?

"If it's really funny or super emotional."

More:Waukee boy to interview Super Bowl stars after winning national 'kid reporter' contest

Phillip Sitter covers education for the Ames Tribune, including Iowa State University and PreK-12 schools in Ames and elsewhere in Story County. Phillip can be reached via email at psitter@gannett.com. He is on Twitter @pslifeisabeauty.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: ISU grad providing wireless internet to Super Bowl stadium, fans