Canaan graduated from the Colorado School of Mines in 2013 with a BS in Engineering and a minor in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Policy (STEP). He joined The Breakthrough Institute as a Generation Fellow in 2015 where his research was focused on understanding the institutional arrangements and industry partnerships that have led to modern innovations in the energy sector. He also spent time researching urbanism and its benefit to society and the environment. Canaan is a professional engineer and now serves as a development consultant for Kimley-Horn in Denver, CO where he has a heightened focus on urban redevelopment projects. Canaan is a Colorado native and enjoys taking part in many of the outdoor activities his state has to offer.