Thora Birch, born on March 11, 1982, is an American actress, producer, and director known for her versatile roles in film and television. She began her career at a young age, gaining recognition for her performances in films such as "Purple People Eater," "Patriot Games," and "Hocus Pocus" during the 1990s. Birch's transition to adult-oriented roles came with her portrayal of Jane Burnham in the critically acclaimed "American Beauty" and as Enid Coleslaw in the cult hit "Ghost World," for which she received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. Her talent and versatility have been further showcased in various independent films, including "The Last Black Man in San Francisco." Birch also made a notable appearance as Mary (aka "Gamma") in the tenth season of the AMC series "The Walking Dead." In 2022, she made her directorial debut with the Lifetime television film "The Gabby Petito Story" and is set to direct the adaptation of Elmore Leonard's novel "Mr. Paradise." Birch's career has been marked by a range of compelling performances and her significant impact on both the film and television industry.

Thora Melsted (1823 – 1919) was a pioneering Icelandic educator who dedicated her life to advancing women's education in Iceland. Born to the Icelandic official Grímur Jónsson and Dane Birgitte Cecile Breum in Denmark, Thora was raised in Iceland but received a comprehensive education during her time in Denmark. In 1851–53, she managed the first school for girls in Reykjavík, marking a significant milestone in the education of women in Iceland. Her commitment to this cause led her to marry the Icelandic official and politician Páll Melsteð, and she played a crucial role in the establishment of the Kvennaskólinn í Reykjavík in 1874, where she became the first principal. Thora's efforts paved the way for the establishment of other schools for girls across Iceland, leaving a lasting legacy in the country's education system. Her dedication and leadership as the principal of the school from 1874–1902 have continued to inspire generations of educators and students. Thora Melsted's contribution to women's education in Iceland remains an integral part of the nation's history and educational development.

Thora Patricia Whitehead (27 January 1936 – 30 September 2021) made significant contributions as an Australian scientific collector and malacologist. Over the course of 50 years, Whitehead amassed a collection of more than 200,000 shell specimens, now housed in the Queensland Museum. Her extensive work alongside Kevin Lamprell resulted in the co-authoring of the two-volume Bivalves of Australia. Additionally, she edited Lamprell's book, Spondylus: Spiny oyster shells of the world, in 1986. Whitehead's dedication to collecting shells led to the discovery of a new species, Amoria thorae, named in her honor by the Queensland Museum's curator, John Healy. Born in Chile in 1936, Whitehead passed away in Brisbane in 2021 at the age of 85, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the form of species named after her, including Amoria thorae, Callocardia thorae, Conus whiteheadae, Morula whiteheadae, Nassarius whiteheadae, and Terebra whiteheadae. Her impact on the field of malacology and the scientific community is a testament to her passion and dedication.