Writing research is one of the most tedious academic tasks. The study aimed to determine students' lived experiences in terms of the difficulties faced and coping mechanisms in writing research. Ten (10) participants were purposively selected for the study. Maslow's motivation theory and Collaborative learning theory were the foundation theories of the study. A phenomenological research design and Collaizi's data analysis (Gumarang Jr. et al., 2021) were utilized to obtain the result of the study. Researchers collected data through a semi-structured questionnaire via google forms, virtual focus group discussion, and observation notes. Researchers gathered information using a semi-structured questionnaire administered via google forms, a virtual focus group discussion, and observation notes. The findings revealed that the difficulties encountered were relevant research dilemmas, unamenable behavior of members, scarcity of time, and insufficient academic assistance in learning. Additionally, coping mechanisms include seeking academic assistance, autodidact behavior, time efficacy, and self-acceptance. The study findings enable the education sector to provide interventions for students to improve the quality of their research writing by attending enhancement programs, training, and webinars.

The laboratory has been assigned a central and distinct position in science education, and science educators have indicated that conducting laboratory activities provides rich benefits in learning. Since the start of the school year 2020-2021, online learning has been one of the modes of learning delivery allowed by both the Department of Education [DepEd] and the Commission on Higher Education (Tria, 2020). Due to this, STEM students face many issues in the fast-evolving world of virtual learning, particularly regarding material utilization in laboratory settings. The digital world has transformed education, allowing students to engage with knowledge and communicate remotely in unprecedented ways. However, the lack of physical laboratories has given rise to many new concerns that necessitate attention and creative solutions. Hence this study shed light on the challenges that STEM students confront in material utilization within the virtual domain, its impact on students' performance in active learning, and coping mechanisms of the dilemma which gave ramifications in their educational journey.