In December 2022, Heather Dodd was awarded a PhD in Architecture with specialisation in design for her thesis Small Moves. Spatial Tactics for Transformation. She is the first graduate of this new practice-based PhD programme at the University of the Free State (UFS)

The final examination room, including the interactive Spatial Tactics model is one of the outcomes of the PhD. The work will be on exhibition at the Cape Institute of Architects in August 2023 as part of a Women in Architecture exhibit.